One month after the death of renowned singer-songwriter D’Angelo, 51, from pancreatic cancer, his friend and fellow R&B icon Mary J. Blige says she remains in a state of disbelief. “I just can’t believe that both of them are gone,” Blige told People magazine in an interview released Friday. “I’m just still shocked and surprised.”
Blige described D’Angelo as a “beautiful, beautiful person” and reflected on the brief yet meaningful times they spent working together. She noted their tour from 2012–13 and called the experience of being invited into his circle “a privilege.” “If they let you in, that means you were special because they didn’t mess with a lot of people,” she said.
Reflecting on a Valued Friendship
Blige said D’Angelo and his former collaborator Angie Stone—who died earlier this year in a car accident—were quietly selective about whom they allowed into their inner world. “They were very quiet, both of them, and very selective on who they let into their world as far as working with them,” she explained. “I was grateful to have that opportunity to be around them like that.”
Her comments came as the music community continues to honour D’Angelo’s legacy. In his family’s statement, they said: “The shining star of our family has dimmed his light … After a prolonged and courageous battle with cancer, we are heartbroken to announce that Michael D’Angelo Archer… has been called home.”
In her interview, Blige recalled D’Angelo’s warmth, creativity and humility. “They were the most beautiful people and just really nice people to work with and to know,” she said. The grief of losing someone so subtle yet deeply influential weighed heavily on her. “I just can’t believe that both of them are gone,” she repeated.
At the same time, Blige is celebrating her own career milestone. Her new concert film, For My Fans, documenting her April performance at Madison Square Garden in New York, is in theatres for two nights only. She said the tour and film are dedicated to her loyal audience. “That’s why I named it the For My Fans Tour … in all the Mary J. Blige concerts, it’s really about the fans,” she said. “We’ve grown together.”
Blige emphasised that if it weren’t for her supporters, there would be none of what she’s accomplished. “If it wasn’t for them, there would be none of this,” she said. Amid her personal sorrow, the project is a way to continue forward and pay tribute to the relationships built along the way.