"The X Factor Australia" star Johnny Ruffo has died at the age of 35.
Ruffo, who eventually made his acting debut in "Home and Away," died only a year after learning that he had a terminal disease. His family confirmed in a statement on Instagram on Friday, sharing that his partner, Tahnee, and his family were beside him at the time of his death.
Johnny Ruffo's Cause of Death Revealed
Ruffo's family expressed their gratitude toward the nurses and doctors who were with the singer until he passed away peacefully.
"Johnny was very determined and had a strong will. He battled all the way to the end and fought as hard as he could. Such a beautiful soul with so much more to give," the statement continued, calling him a "very talented, charming and sometimes cheeky boy."
Ruffo passed away months after receiving a terminal brain cancer diagnosis. He was initially diagnosed with the dreaded illness in 2017, which led him to undergo treatment for two years. The Guardian reported that his cancer returned in 2020 after going into remission years prior.
He also shared the news in a November 2020 post, with Ruffo detailing that the cancer returned following a series of seizures and headaches. He then revealed in August 2022 that the disease became terminal during an interview with Australia's Channel 10.
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"Looking up my diagnosis and my tumor and... the average life expectancy was three years. For me it's now been five years, so I'm already winning," he said. "At some point it is going to get me, [but] my goal now is to try and help as many people as I can."
Ruffo famously launched his career when he auditioned for "The X Factor" in 2011. He won third in the show's third season, opening the doors for him to secure a deal with Sony Music Australia.
He released singles and collaborations with other artists, including his mentor, Guy Sebastian. In 2012, he supported Backstreet Boys, One Direction, and New Kids on the Block.
Before his cancer came back, he was able to write and complete his memoir, "No Finish Line," out on August 30.
In his final days, Ruffo spent time with his family traveling to places in New Zealand.
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