Legendary soul singer D’Angelo dies of pancreatic cancer.
The Grammy winner’s cause of death was revealed on Tuesday, when news broke that he passed away at the age of 51 in New York City.
“He was in hospice for two weeks, but he had been in the hospital for months,” a source told People.
D’Angelo’s family confirmed his death in a statement to Variety, calling his battle with cancer “long and courageous.”
His loved ones wrote, “Our family’s shining star dimmed its light for us in this life. …While we are saddened that he will only leave us with cherished memories of his family, we are forever grateful for the extraordinary and inspiring musical legacy he left behind.”
“While we ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time, we ask that you join us in mourning his passing, while also celebrating the gift of song he left to the world,” they concluded.
D’Angelo’s manager did not immediately respond to Page Six’s request for comment.
The R&B artist, whose real name is Michael Eugene Archer, is survived by his son Michael Jr., daughter Imani and son Morocco.
Imani posted multiple heartbroken emojis on her Instagram Story on Tuesday, along with a smiling photo of herself sitting on the couch with her father playing the guitar.
Michael Jr. and Morocco have yet to publicly address the loss.
The former in particular lost his 63-year-old mother Angie Stone in a tragic car accident earlier this year.
Stone was the muse for D’Angelo’s debut solo album, Brown Sugar, which included one of his most famous songs, “Lady.”
D’Angelo’s other popular neo-soul hits include “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” and “Really Love.”
Longtime collaborator Rafael Saadiq told listeners of the Rolling Stone Music Now podcast last year that he was working on a new album before his death.
“He’s currently working on six productions and seems very excited,” Saadiq, 59, said in a September 2024 interview. “At this point, he’s in control of his own destiny. … He knows it’s on him now, and I think it’s him coming from a different angle.”
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