D’Angelo’s Family Honors His Legacy After Singer’s Death at 51

The music world mourns the loss of legendary soul and R&B artist D’Angelo, who passed away at the age of 51 on October 14, 2025, following a private battle with pancreatic cancer. A spokesperson for the four-time Grammy Award winner confirmed the news, stating, “The shining star of our family has dimmed his light for us in this life.” The family expressed their heartbreak in a statement, emphasizing the profound impact of his music and the memories he leaves behind.

D’Angelo’s family is honoring his legacy while grappling with the emotional weight of his passing. The statement from the family concluded with a call for privacy during this difficult time, inviting fans to join them in both mourning his death and celebrating his musical contributions. The renowned artist, known for his influential sound and style, leaves behind three children, including a son, Michael D’Angelo Archer, from his relationship with the late soul singer Angie Stone.

D’Angelo and Stone’s relationship, which began in the 1990s, was marked by both personal and professional synergy. Stone served as the muse for D’Angelo’s acclaimed 1995 album, Brown Sugar. They welcomed their son Michael in 1997 but parted ways in 1999. Stone, who achieved significant acclaim in her own right with three Grammy nominations, tragically passed away in a car crash at the age of 63 in March 2025. Following her death, Michael shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, expressing pride in his mother’s legacy and the lessons she imparted.

Michael is not only navigating the loss of his father but also reflecting on his own path as an artist. Performing under the name Swayvo Twain, he has embraced his family’s musical legacy while seeking to carve out his own identity. In March 2025, he acknowledged the challenges of stepping out from the shadows of his famous parents. “It always felt like I was fated to be in their shadows forever,” he stated. Following D’Angelo’s death, Michael expressed gratitude for the support he has received, acknowledging the difficulty of losing both parents within such a short span.

The family dynamic also includes D’Angelo’s daughter, Imani Archer, born in 1999, whose mother remains private. Like her father and brother, Imani is pursuing a career in music. In a November 2024 interview, she discussed her journey of finding her voice and developing her sound, describing the move to Los Angeles as a significant turning point in her artistic career. After her father’s passing, Imani shared a touching vintage photograph of D’Angelo playing guitar, a poignant reminder of their bond.

The youngest son, Morocco Archer, has chosen to maintain a low profile, with little public information available about his life. The family’s commitment to privacy reflects D’Angelo’s own values during his career, as he often shielded his personal life from the media spotlight.

As fans and fellow artists pay tribute to D’Angelo, his family continues to celebrate the man behind the music, ensuring that his extraordinary contributions to the world of soul and R&B are not forgotten. With their own artistic pursuits, Michael and Imani honor the legacies of both their father and mother, keeping the spirit of D’Angelo alive through their music and memories.