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The Netherlands: OG3NE face the shadows

12 July 2017 at 14:19 CEST
The Natherlands second rehearsal 2017 Thomas Hanses
Sad news today from The Netherlands. Isolde Vol-Malee, the mother of OG3NE's Lisa, Amy and Shelley has died aged 47. Isolde had a rare form of cancer and was the inspiration behind OG3NE's Eurovision entry, 'Lights and Shadows'.

Lights and Shadows is a very personal song for the three OG3NE sisters. The song was written by their father Rick as a tribute to their mother. Isolde had been ill for many years and recently stopped treatment for a rare form of bone cancer. 

In Kyiv OG3NE spoke openly about the message behind their song. Lights and Shadows was written to inspire families who are going through similar situations. Isolde made a surprise trip to Eurovision ahead of the Grand Final where an emotional reunion took place with her daughters. 

In a statement published on OG3NE's Facebook page, the girls confirmed that they will stop working until further notice. "We have trust that her will power, positivity, perseverance and eternal smile will give us the strength to move on. Now there is huge sadness. We hope that everybody respects our privacy and gives us the space to grieve," they said.

OG3NE gave an emotional performance during the Grand Final in May and the girls were visibly moved as they embraced at the end of their song.  

Lights And Shadows was written by Rick Vol, the father of the three sisters, and the composer and lyricist, together with Shelley's boyfriend, guitarist Rory de Kievit. Ahead of the contest they said, "We have tried to reflect the uncertain and unstable life that a patient and their family lead and to counter it with positivity and hope. Most of all, we want the song to empower people!"

We send our heartfelt condolences to Rick, Lisa, Amy and Shelley at this difficult time.