Ethan Rhodes
Canadian singer-songwriter Jonathan Percy Starker JP Saxe, best known for his Grammy-nominated collaboration with Julia Michaels, If the World Was Ending, spent time in the hospital by his mother's side during her cancer diagnosis in 2019. In a vulnerable message on Instagram, Saxe recalled his recording days, when he would go to the studio during the day and return to the hospital at night to be with his mother. Saxe's mother eventually passed away from cancer in January 2020, and he shared a heartfelt tribute to her on social media, expressing his grief and reflecting on the happy moments they shared during her illness.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for hospital stay | To be by his mother's side during her cancer diagnosis and treatment |
| Year of hospital stay | 2019 |
| Outcome of hospital stay | His mother passed away in January 2020 |
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What You'll Learn
JP Saxe's mother was diagnosed with cancer in 2019
Canadian singer and musician Jonathan Percy Starker "JP" Saxe was in the hospital in 2019 because his mother was diagnosed with cancer. Saxe's mother eventually passed away from the disease in January 2020. In a January 2020 Instagram post, Saxe wrote about the difficulty of watching his mother lose her battle with cancer, calling it "the saddest thing I've ever experienced". However, he also noted that some of the happiest moments of his life were also intertwined with this difficult time.
In 2021, Saxe released his debut studio album, "Dangerous Levels of Introspection", which included a song about his mother's passing. In an interview that year, he stated that he knew early on that the album would feel incomplete if he didn't talk about his mother. He also shared that his mother's illness and death had been a huge part of his life over the previous three years, and he wanted to include a song about her on the album to emotionally complete it.
Saxe's vulnerable message on social media in 2022, on the second anniversary of the release of his debut EP, "Hold It Together", recalled his recording days during his mother's illness. He would go to the studio during the day and then return to the hospital at night to be by his mother's side. Saxe's mother's diagnosis and subsequent passing had a profound impact on his music, with songs on his debut album reflecting his grief and emotions during that time.
The song 'Sing Myself to Sleep' from the album 'Dangerous Levels of Introspection' was written about Saxe's mother. He revealed that this song took the longest to write for the album. Saxe shared that he wanted the song to exist on the album because it was emotionally important to him. He also acknowledged the challenge of facing complicated and unpleasant emotions as a songwriter.
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He spent time in the hospital with his mother
Canadian singer-songwriter Jonathan Percy Starker "JP" Saxe spent time in the hospital with his mother during her final days. In an Instagram post, Saxe recalled how he would go to the recording studio during the day and return to the hospital at night to be by his mother's side. Saxe's mother was diagnosed with cancer in 2019 and passed away in January 2020. During this difficult time, Saxe worked on his debut EP, "Hold It Together," which was released on February 7, 2020.
Saxe's time in the hospital with his mother had a profound impact on him and his music. In an interview with PEOPLE in June 2021, Saxe spoke about his honest debut album, "Dangerous Levels of Introspection," which includes a song about the loss of his mother. He expressed his pride in how much of himself was reflected in the music. Saxe also shared a tribute to his mother on social media, writing about the sadness of watching his mother lose her battle with cancer and the happy moments that were intertwined with that difficult time.
Saxe's vulnerability and willingness to share his emotions continued to be a theme in his music and interactions with fans. In 2025, Saxe posted a candid video on TikTok, explaining that he might have to cancel his upcoming tour due to low ticket sales. His honesty resonated with many people, and he received supportive messages from fans and industry peers. Saxe's experience in the hospital with his mother and his subsequent creative process demonstrate his ability to channel personal experiences into his music and connect with others through his art.
In addition to his solo work, Saxe has collaborated with several artists, including his partner, Julia Michaels. They met in mid-2019 while recording their duet "If The World Was Ending" and have since worked together on other projects, including a re-release of "If The World Was Ending" in April 2020, featuring various artists. The proceeds from this collaboration benefited Doctors Without Borders. Saxe's relationship with Michaels has been a source of inspiration for both artists, with Michaels crediting Saxe for the positive direction in her music after their relationship.
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His mother passed away in January 2020
Canadian singer-songwriter JP Saxe's mother passed away in January 2020. She had been diagnosed with cancer in 2019. During her illness, Saxe spent his days in the studio and his nights by his mother's hospital bedside.
In February 2022, Saxe shared a tribute to his mother on the second anniversary of the release of his debut EP, *Hold It Together*. On Instagram, he wrote about his recording days and the time he spent with his mother in her final days. In the post, Saxe recalled:
> "4 days after that meeting with the doctors in Toronto, my first day back in LA, I met a girl in a writing session I shortly fell in love with. (we wrote a pretty special song that day too). fast forward to the very end of the year... we're all sitting together in the hospital watching Sister Act 2," he wrote at the time. "Without question, watching my mom losing her battle with cancer has been the saddest thing I've ever experienced, but some of the happiest moments of my life have intertwined their way into all of it."
Saxe also wrote about the impact his mother had on his music. In June 2021, he spoke to *People* about his debut album, *Dangerous Levels of Introspection*, saying that he was "really proud of how much of 'me' is in this music." He added that the album included a song about the loss of his mother, as well as songs about his girlfriend, Julia Michaels, and a song hyping up a friend going through heartbreak.
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He wrote about the experience on Instagram
Canadian singer-songwriter JP Saxe shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, reflecting on his mother's final days in the hospital. In his post, Saxe revealed that during the day, he would go to the studio to work on his music, and at night, he would return to the hospital to be by his mother's side. He wrote, "Going to the studio during the day, and coming back to the hospital at night so I could be next to my mom." Saxe's mother was diagnosed with cancer in 2019 and passed away in January 2020.
In his Instagram post, Saxe also shared how some of his happiest moments were intertwined with the sadness of watching his mother's health decline. He wrote, "4 days after that meeting with the doctors in Toronto, my first day back in LA, I met a girl in a writing session I shortly fell in love with. (we wrote a pretty special song that day too). Fast forward to the very end of the year... we're all sitting together in the hospital watching Sister Act 2." Saxe expressed the heart-wrenching contrast of witnessing his mother's battle with cancer while also experiencing joyful moments.
The singer also mentioned in his Instagram tribute that he held his mother's hand as she passed away. He wrote, "I'm gonna miss her more than I know. Her life was too short, but she lived the f--- out of it." Saxe's vulnerability and honesty in sharing his experiences during his mother's illness and death touched many people.
In addition to his personal posts, Saxe has also used Instagram to interact with his fans and provide updates on his music career. He has shared behind-the-scenes glimpses of his creative process, collaborations with other artists, and the inspiration behind his songs. Saxe has also utilized Instagram to promote his music, announce new releases, and connect with his followers. Through his Instagram presence, Saxe has fostered a community of engaged fans who support his artistic endeavours.
Overall, JP Saxe's Instagram posts, particularly those regarding his mother's illness and the subsequent impact on his life and music, have served as a means of expression, connection, and remembrance. His willingness to share personal experiences has not only provided fans with a deeper understanding of his music but has also likely offered comfort and inspiration to those facing similar challenges.
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He dedicated his EP 'Hold It Together' to his mother
Canadian singer-songwriter Jonathan Percy Starker "JP" Saxe dedicated his EP Hold It Together to his mother. The EP was released on February 7, 2020, and peaked at number 53 on the Canadian Albums Chart.
Saxe's mother was diagnosed with cancer in 2019 and passed away in January 2020. During her illness, Saxe spent his days in the studio and his nights at his mother's hospital bedside. On the second anniversary of the EP's release, Saxe shared a message on Instagram, recalling his recording days and the impact his mother had on his music. He wrote:
> "My first EP 'Hold It Together' came out 2 years ago today. I finished those songs back home in Toronto, going to the studio during the day, and coming back to the hospital at night so I could be next to my mom, on my laptop working on production... She heard all the finished songs in the last days of her life."
Saxe also shared a tribute to his mother following her death, expressing his pride in her and his intention to live life to the fullest in her honour:
> "I'm gonna miss her more than I know. Her life was too short, but she lived the f--- out of it. I'm so proud she's my mama. And I think the best way I have left to love her is by living that same way.. passionately and adamantly fully. I love her too much not to."
Saxe's girlfriend and collaborator, Julia Michaels, provided him with support during his mother's health crisis. The couple met in mid-2019, four days before Saxe's mother received her diagnosis. They instantly felt a connection and fell in love, and Michaels has described Saxe as a “good human" and "supportive".
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Frequently asked questions
JP Saxe was in the hospital in 2019, sitting alongside his mother's bed during her cancer diagnosis.
Sadly not, she passed away in January 2020.
Yes, in June 2021, Saxe spoke to PEOPLE about his "honest" debut album, "Dangerous Levels of Introspection", which included a song about the loss of his mother.
