Janina Garraway, Beloved Dancer and Chris Brown’s ‘Say Goodbye’ Star, Dies at 42
The entertainment world is mourning the loss of a radiant talent. Janina Garraway, the actress and dancer immortalized as the leading lady in Chris Brown’s 2006 classic “Say Goodbye” music video, passed away in October 2025 after a private and courageous battle with cancer. She was 42 years old.
The heartbreaking news prompted an immediate outpouring of grief from fans and colleagues, including Brown himself, who paid a heartfelt tribute to the woman he called “a light to this world” . Garraway’s story is one of profound resilience, a final chapter defined by her strength as a new mother facing a stage 4 cancer diagnosis.
A Final Bow : Chris Brown and Fans Pay Tribute
On Thursday, October 30, 2025, Chris Brown honored Janina Garraway on his Instagram Stories, sharing a photo of her from the iconic “Say Goodbye” video . His message was filled with personal emotion and gratitude.
“Rest in peace, Janina! I love you and I’m so grateful to have worked with you and have you [be] a part of this family,” Brown wrote. “My heart goes out to your child and your family! You were and will always be a light to this world” . Brown’s mother, Joyce Hawkins, also shared her condolences, adding, “Gone too soon! This truly broke my heart. RIP, angel!” .
Fans across social media have been sharing their own memories, with many recalling how Garraway’s beauty and presence in the “Say Goodbye” video left a lasting impression on them . The poignant irony of the song’s title has also resonated deeply, with one fan noting, “Imagine the hit record you made with her in it..is literally saying good bye forever this time” .
A Devastating Diagnosis : Cancer Strikes After Childbirth
Janina Garraway’s passing followed an intense and public struggle with stage 4 colorectal adenocarcinoma, a battle she faced with incredible fortitude . According to a GoFundMe campaign organized by her best friend, Amy Egbert, Garraway’s life changed dramatically shortly after the birth of her son on January 17, 2024 .
Just five weeks after becoming a mother, Garraway was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer . She began chemotherapy immediately and endured an aggressive treatment plan that included radiation and multiple surgeries . Throughout her journey, she documented her fight with raw honesty. In updates on the fundraising page, she shared that she underwent liver surgery, had a colostomy bag placed, and endured over a dozen chemotherapy sessions that left her “reduced by 50 percent”.
Despite the aggressive treatment, she faced repeated setbacks. In February 2025, doctors discovered two new tumors in her liver, and by April, she shared that the cancer had returned, requiring her to “implement some chemo and radiation to systematically fight” once more . Through it all, her focus remained on her son. In a February update, she wrote, “I share to encourage you to not allow the woes of life to get you down… I will continue to stay strong for my baby boy”.
Beyond the Video : The Career and Legacy of Janina Garraway
While millions knew her from the “Say Goodbye” video, Janina Garraway’s career was rich and varied, spanning dance, film, and entrepreneurship.
The table below highlights key achievements in her multifaceted career
Category
Achievements
Music Video Fame
Lead role in Chris Brown’s “Say Goodbye” (2006), collaborated with Mariah Carey, Usher, Babyface, and Ye .
Film & TV Credits
Danced in films like “Starsky & Hutch” , “13 Going on 30,” and “Looney Tunes: Back in Action” , appeared on “The Oprah Show” and “Good Morning America” .
Entrepreneurship
Founded The Garraway Performing Arts Center, a 501(c)(3) non-profit in 2016 to provide free dance education to underserved youth .
Real Estate
Built a successful career as a real estate agent and investor in Los Angeles .
Her best friend, Amy Egbert, described Garraway as “one of the most selfless, giving, kind, and beautiful human beings on the planet,” highlighting her humility despite her impressive career . Through The Garraway Performing Arts Center, her mission was to “give opportunities to youth who may not otherwise have the means or resources to train in dance,” ensuring her legacy extends far beyond her own performances .
A Legacy of Light and Strength
Janina Garraway’s passing is a profound loss. She is survived by her infant son, who was the center of her world during her most difficult fight . Her story is not just one of tragedy, but also of immense courage and the fierce will to live for a child.
Her battle has also cast a necessary light on the realities of colorectal cancer, particularly its occurrence in younger adults. By sharing her journey so openly, Garraway raised awareness and encouraged others to listen to their bodies.
The memory of Janina Garraway that will endure is not defined by her illness, but by her artistry, her generosity, and the beautiful, resilient light that touched everyone who knew her work and her story. As her best friend Amy wrote, her goal was simple and powerful, to “fight and live many more years so she can support her baby boys journey to manhood” . Though her time was cut short, her legacy of love and strength will undoubtedly live on through her son and the countless young dancers she inspired.
