Adreian Payne fan Lacey Holsworth, 8, dies from cancer

Lacey Holsworth, the 8-year-old who befriended Michigan State superstar Adreian Payne, died late Tuesday night. Her parents confirmed the news Wednesday morning with a photo posted to Instagram that read: "Princess Lacey has achieved the ultimate victory. She now dances among angels…. The world is a better place because you were in it. Our hearts are broken. We love you Doll. Dance all night… Mommy and Daddy, Will, Mitchell, and Luke."

[ MORE: Watch all of BTN's Lacey Holsworth videos ]

http://instagram.com/p/mjz92Jg0sr/#

Holsworth, who suffered from neuroblastoma, met Payne two years ago. The two formed a genuine friendship, and Holsworth quickly became "Superman's" No. 1 fan. She and her family traveled to Michigan State games, including the Big Ten and NCAA tourneys last month, Payne's final college games. Holsworth also attended the team banquet and was in Dallas last week to watch Payne compete in the slam dunk contest.

Matt Holsworth texts there will be a memorial for Lacey on April 17 at Breslin. And he adds: "Continue her legacy! Love unconditionally."

— Joe Rexrode (@joerexrode) April 9, 2014

[ MORE: Twitter: Spartans, B1G basketball community mourn Lacey Holsworth's death ]

Izzo and Spartans host Holsworth at team banquet:

Here's Holsworth as Payne's special guest on Senior Night:

And here's our touching BTN Journey feature on the two:

[ MORE: Tom Izzo, Mark Hollis release statement on Lacey Holsworth ]

Spartan family reacts to news:

https://twitter.com/thats_G_/status/453793320557219841

Can't believe this has happened. @adorablelacey 's family will be in my families and my prayers. Remember God always has a plan #RIPLacy

— Kenny Kaminski (@KennyKaminski) April 9, 2014

Lacey Holsworth, there will always be a place for you in the Izzone. #LoveLikeLacey

— The Izzone (@ThisistheIZZONE) April 9, 2014

Some people come into our lives, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same. Words? http://t.co/Z6StojzlIo

— B.Dawson (@whynot_22) April 9, 2014

Just found out @adorablelacey lost her battle with cancer sad sad day.

— Mateen Cleaves (@Mateen_Cleaves) April 9, 2014

Others offered their condolences, too:

We're deeply saddened to hear the news of @adorablelacey's passing. Our hearts go out to her family and friends during this time.

— Michigan Men's Basketball (@umichbball) April 9, 2014

Our thoughts and prayers go to @adorablelacey, @Adreian_Payne and the entire @MSU_Basketball family. Heaven gained an angel. #RIPLacey

— Purdue Men's Basketball (@BoilerBall) April 9, 2014

Thoughts are with @Adreian_Payne and the @MSU_Basketball family on the loss of @adorablelacey this morning. Captured so many hearts.

— Penn State Men?s Basketball (@PennStateMBB) April 9, 2014

My thoughts and prayers go out to @adorablelacey and her family She truly was an inspiration to many around the world especially the BIGten!

— Tim Frazier (@Timfraz23) April 9, 2014

#Huskers included. Thoughts and prayers are with Lacey and her family. pic.twitter.com/CCSMHTiseQ

— Tim Miles (@CoachMiles) April 9, 2014