Former "American Idol" contestant Joanne Borgella died of cancer on Saturday at the age of 32.

The singer documented her battle with cancer through her Facebook page after releasing a YouTube video about her diagnoses that spread from her throat to her chest last year.

Her family announced her death on her Facebook page on Saturday around 1 p.m.

"With heavy hearts, we are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Joanne...At an early age, Joanne made a choice to serve and trust the Lord; and since her diagnosis over a year ago, Joanne made a choice to also be a fighter and share her journey with the world."

The New York native, Hatian-American was an inspiration for plus-size models. Before she made it to "American Idol's" seventh season in 2008, she appeared on Mo-Nique's "Fat Chance" three years prior. She won Mo-Nique's 2005 plus-size model contest.

Joanne made it to the top 24 in "American Idol". She went on to continue a career as a professional model and appeared on "Curvy Girls" that airs on English-Language Latino network NUVOtv. Spokeswoman for the network, Diane Castro told CNN, "All of us at NUVOtv are deeply saddened at the news of Joanne Borgella's passing. We are thankful to have known such a courageous woman with a beautiful voice who brought passion, faith and heart to everything she did. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this very difficult time."

She also started her own jewelry and clothing line, "The Joanne Borgella New York." The clothing line was created with and inspired by her mother, Paule Daniel Ford Borgella, who always told Joanne to look beautiful once she wakes up in the morning. Her collection was designed for plus-size women and has four lines of Curvy Chique, the Summer U Dress, the Midi Dress and the Wrap Dress.

Fans shared their condolences on her Facebook page.