Isolde, mother of OG3NE-sisters Lisa, Amy and Shelley, and inspiration for their 2017 Eurovision entry Lights and shadows, passed away today at age 48.

Isolde Erlinde Vol-Malee, a former professional dancer, passed away today due to a rare form of bone cancer, a disease which she had battled for several years. Isolde was married to composer Rick Vol, and is the mother of Lisa, Amy and Shelley Vol, commonly known as girl group OG3NE.

After being internally selected by Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS, OG3NE represented the Netherlands at the 2017 Eurovision Song Contest in Kyiv, Ukraine, with the ballad Lights and shadows. The song, composed and written by Rick Vol and guitarist/producer Rory de Kievit, who is also Shelley’s boyfriend, was inspired by, and dedicated to, their mother Isolde. Describing the lights and shadows that both patient and family members go through during the process of sickness, OG3NE said the song was also dedicated to everyone who is ill or has lost a loved one.

In a statement on Facebook, OG3NE write:

“Isolde Vol-Malee, the mother of Lisa, Amy and Shelley of formation OG3NE, passed away today in the presence of her loved ones. After a brave and long fight, she eventually has lost the battle against a rare form of bone cancer.

We trust that her fighting force, positivity, endurance, and eternal smile will give us the strength to go on. Now there is great sadness. We hope that everyone will respect our privacy, and will give us the peace and room to give this great sadness a place.

OG3NE will postpone all their activities until further notice, to process this great loss in peace. The farewell to Isolde will take place in private”.

OG3NE furthermore shares:

“With great sadness, but also full of admiration for the way she has lived, we share with you that our sweet mother has passed away softly and calmly”.

ESCToday sends condolences to Amy, Lisa, Shelley, Rick and their family, friends, loved ones and fans. May light and love guide Isolde, and send strength to her relatives in this time of darkness.

In remembrance of Isolde Vol-Malee, watch OG3NE’s performance of Lights and shadows during the Grand Final of Eurovision 2017, which was dedicated to her: