R&B lovers all over felt this one! One can’t speak on the genre, especially neo-soul, without mentioning D’Angelo. The iconic hitmaker died on Tuesday (October 14) after privately battling pancreatic cancer. His loved ones, fans and celebrities have been flooding the timeline with memories and condolences. From two of his children, Michael Archer II and Imani Archer, to Jill Scott and Jamie Foxx, here’s an inside look at the love the 51-year-old inspired.
Editor’s Note: This article is being updated in real-time. Keep scrolling and see subheadings for updates.
RELATED: Prayers Up! R&B Legend D’Angelo Passes Away At Age 51
What To Know About D’Angelo’s Passing
At this time, details about D’Angelo’s health before his death are still limited. Early Tuesday, TMZ confirmed his death with the singer’s former manager and sources reportedly connected to his family. His family later spoke out in a statement, per PEOPLE, saying they’re “heartbroken” by his passing.
“We are saddened that he can only leave dear memories with his family, but we are eternally grateful for the legacy of extraordinarily moving music he leaves behind. We ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time, but invite you all to join us in mourning his passing while also celebrating the gift of song that he has left for the world,” the family statement said.
He reportedly passed away in New York City from complications of cancer. It’s unclear if he was in the hospital, at home or elsewhere during that time. A four-time Grammy winner from Richmond, Virginia, D’Angelo went from starting bands with his family to dominating the R&B charts with his albums ‘Brown Sugar’ and ‘Voodoo.’
Angie Stone’s Son Shares Statement & Video Of His Late Parents
As mentioned, D’Angelo had three children from separate relationships. He shared his son, Michael Archer II, with the late singer Angie Stone. They dated for a few years in the ’90s and welcomed their son in 1998, two years before D’Angelo’s most-decorated album, ‘Voodoo,’ dropped. Fans were heavily mentioning Michael on Tuesday, as it’s only been months since his mom died in a severe car accident. She died on the morning of March 1, after performing in Montgomery, Alabama, when an 18-wheeler truck hit her overturned van. Like D’Angelo, Angie was a beloved artist and blossomed during the late ’70s and early ’80s as part of the all-girl group ‘The Sequence.’
Today (October 14), Michael posted a video of his parents discussing the five-year gap between D’Angelo’s first and second albums, ‘Brown Sugar’ and ‘Voodoo.’ D’Angelo said that it was important for him to “live” a little. The dad said his son’s birth inspired him to write an album, but also forced him to grow up. Meanwhile, Angie said in the interview that D’Angelo had pulled entirely away after the first five years and closed the chapter on her and her son. Michael didn’t add any additional context as to why he posted the interview clip. Additionally, Michael gave a statement to PEOPLE acknowledging his tough year after losing both parents.
“I am grateful for your thoughts and prayers during these very difficult times, as it has been a very rough and sad year for me.” He continued, “I ask that you please continue to keep me in your thoughts, as it will not be easy, but one thing that both my parents taught me was to be strong, and I intend to do just that.”
On Instagram Stories, Michael Archer wrote about watching his daddy die after they had finally begun building their relationship. “He was there when I needed him most after the passing of momma. Unfortunately, time ran out. I know it wasn’t done with malicious intent, but today, I’m not in any state of mind to make any statements. I wasn’t planning to.”
Angelo’s Daughter Shares Throwback Photo & Heartbreaking Message (UPDATE)
Meanwhile, D’Angelo’s daughter, Imani Archer, shared a photo of herself smiling beside their late father as he played the guitar. She added three hurt heart emojis on the pictures. SWIPE BELOW to see her post on the second slide.
One day after her father’s death, Imani circled back to Instagram with more throwback photos and a caption about her “immeasurable loss” and being in “disbelief and shock.” She said Daddy D’Angelo was her protector, hype man, musical inspiration, “the kindest and most selfless man,” and “best father.”
“No one will EVER measure up to how brave and strong you are. Till the very end, you made sure to protect me from anything that would scare or hurt me. I love you so much, Daddy. I wish I had more time to spend with you. For you to show me new music, play piano with me to our favorite songs, or to go back and forward about our favorite go to meals. You’re a one of a kind soul, and I’m so grateful you chose me to be your daughter. I’m not sure how I’ll be able to live on without you, but I’ll never forget all of your advice and things you’ve told me on how to get through this life. Dad…I miss you more than life and this is breaking my heart into a million pieces. I wish I could hold your hand just one more time. I will forever honor you and carry on your legacy Dad. Everything I do will always be for you. I’m gonna miss you and hearing your voice every single day. I’ll always be your BabyGirl,” Imani Archer wrote in her caption.
