R&B legend D’Angelo passes away, family shares heartfelt statement

• American R&B and soul icon D’Angelo has passed away at 51 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer
• His family announced his death on October 14, 2025, expressing both deep sadness and gratitude for the legacy he left through his music
• They said his memory will live on through the songs that touched listeners around the world
• The family requested privacy as they mourn the acclaimed musician

Celebrated R&B and neo-soul trailblazer D’Angelo, whose pioneering sound reshaped modern soul music, has died at the age of 51 after a long fight with pancreatic cancer, according to multiple U.S. media reports.

His family confirmed his passing in a statement shared by several reports, including Rolling Stone’s article.

“The shining star of our family has dimmed his light for us in this life … 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,” the bereaved family said in a statement.

Read also

Anne Curtis questions lack of accountability in flood control project: “Ano na po?”

“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 join us in mourning his passing while also celebrating the gift of song that he has left for the world,” they emotionally added.

TMZ also reported that D'Angelo, born Michael Eugene Archer, had died in New York City on the said date.

Born Michael D’Angelo Archer, the Grammy-winning artist was widely recognized for bridging the gap between classic soul traditions and contemporary R&B, inspiring an entire movement of musicians and redefining the genre with his deeply emotive style.

D’Angelo rose to prominence with his 1995 debut album Brown Sugar, which introduced his signature fusion of funk, gospel, and hip-hop rhythms. The album, featuring hits like “Lady” and “Brown Sugar,” played a key role in defining the emerging neo-soul movement of the 1990s.

His 2000 follow-up album Voodoo propelled him to superstardom. The record earned two Grammy Awards — Best R&B Album and Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for Untitled (How Does It Feel) — and became a benchmark for the genre. The minimalist, ìntìmate video for Untitled (How Does It Feel) turned D’Angelo into a cultural icon, though the intense public attention that followed led him to step away from the spotlight for several years.

Read also

Esnyr Ranollo shares Vice Ganda’s thoughtful gesture while he was sick

After a long hiatus, D’Angelo returned in 2014 with Black Messiah, an album praised for its political relevance and raw, live instrumentation. The project received critical acclaim and reaffirmed his reputation as one of R&B’s most creative and uncompromising voices.

D’Angelo is not the only foreign figure to have passed away recently, as reports of other international personalities’ deaths have also surfaced.

South Korean YouTuber Na Donghyun, known as The Great Library, has died at the age of 46. He was found at his home on September 6, 2025, after an acquaintance reported him missing when he failed to show up for a meeting. Police found no signs of foul play and suggested an underlying illness may have been the cause, with an autopsy planned to confirm. Na was regarded as one of South Korea’s pioneering internet streamers, amassing 1.44 million subscribers and later expanding his presence through mainstream appearances, including the Netflix show The Influencer.

Lina Bina, an adult film star widely recognized online as Miss John Dough, has died at the age of 24. The content creator passed away on Tuesday, August 5, according to media reports. The cause of death has yet to be determined and remains under investigation. The late content creator’s loved ones also took to social media to confirm her death. Many remembered her for her lively spirit and the influence she had on her audience.

Source: KAMI.com.gh