The "Candy Paint" singer's mom Andrea and dad Derrick were both diagnosed with cancer while she worked on her debut album, *Dopamine*.
In a new interview with "Rolling Stone", the "Wild Side" singer opened up about how her parents' cancer diagnoses affected her creativity during the making of her upcoming album.
"Finding out my mom was diagnosed and then the following year finding out that my dad was diagnosed was one of the greatest challenges," Normani, 28, told the outlet.
"I’m a human being, and the pain that I experience takes away from my ability to be creative and have the motivation to get up and be productive," she added. "That was something I really struggled with. I’ve definitely been tested throughout this process, but there’s a beautiful side to it, too. I’ve given up a lot to be in the position I’m in."
Andrea was first diagnosed with breast cancer when Normani, an only child, was 5 years old, and she was in remission for 19 years before the Fifth Harmony alum shared news of her mom's illness returning in October 2020.
Derrick was also diagnosed with cancer about a year after Andrea entered treatment, Normani previously revealed to Bose last year.
The "Motivation" performer has been working on her debut album since 2018, with fans eagerly awaiting its release while she privately dealt with her parents' illnesses.
At times, Normani felt compelled to inform her fans about her situation. "I just felt like I’ve faced so much resistance. It hasn’t always been fun," she shared.
"That’s one thing I promised myself: I want to be intentional in making myself happier throughout the process. I’m never going to get my first album back," she said about Dopamine. "I wish I could look back and say, 'That was so fun.' Next time around, I’m going to make the process more enjoyable."
"Dopamine," preceded by the singles "1:59" with Gunna and "Candy Paint," is set for release on June 14. Normani is excited for fans to hear the album and understand "that I'm f---ing strong despite everything that I’ve endured."
"It’s a testament to my strength, resilience, and discipline. I’m a lot more sure of myself and comfortable. I’ve done a really good job of navigating and getting back to who I am and recognizing the beauty. I’m trusting myself a lot more," she added.
The Quran - Chapter Al-Qamar : 29 - 31
But they roused a companion of theirs, so he dared to kill ˹her˺.
Then how ˹dreadful˺ were My punishment and warnings!
Indeed, We sent against them ˹only˺ one ˹mighty˺ blast, leaving them like the twigs of fence-builders.
