The passing of D’Angelo has sent shockwaves throughout the music industry and beyond.
After a battle with pancreatic cancer, the legendary singer/songwriter died on Tuesday, Oct. 14. Before his passing, D’Angelo “was in hospice for two weeks but had been in the hospital for months.”
Michael Archer II, D’Angelo’s son, paid tribute to his father in a statement to PEOPLE.
“I am grateful for your thoughts and prayers during these very difficult times. It has been a very rough and sad year for me,” Michael’s statement read.. “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.”
Along with Michael, D’Angelo’s family issued a statement.
“The shining star of our family has dimmed his light for us in this life,” the statement read. “After a prolonged and courageous battle with cancer, we are heartbroken to announce that Michael D’Angelo Archer, known to his fans around the world as D’Angelo, has been called home, departing this life today, October 14th, 2025.”
“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 we invite you all join us in mourning his passing while also celebrating the gift of song that he has left for the world.”
Regarded as groundbreaking artists, Brown Sugar (1995), D’Angelo’s debut, was an instant classic. His masterpiece, Voodoo (2000), featuring the Grammy-winning “Untitled (How Does It Feel),” cemented his status as a soul legend. After a long hiatus, he returned with Black Messiah (2014) alongside The Vanguard, delivering a politically charged, soul classic.
D’Angelo’s death comes seven months after the death of his ex, Angie Stone.