The music world mourns the loss of D’Angelo, the Grammy-winning soul singer and neo-soul pioneer, who passed away on October 14, 2025, at the age of 51 after a private battle with pancreatic cancer. According to sources close to the family, the legendary singer spent his final days surrounded by loved ones, including his 27-year-old son, Mike Jr., whom he shares with the late R&B star Angie Stone.
A source revealed to PEOPLE that D’Angelo “was in hospice for two weeks but had been hospitalized for several months prior.” Despite the prolonged illness, he remained cared for by family members, with his son present during his final moments. “People are really worried about Mike right now; his mom died a day after his birthday, and now six months later he’s burying his dad,” the source added, highlighting the profound emotional toll on the family.
A Life Marked by Loss and Private Struggles
Earlier this year, D’Angelo suffered another significant loss when his ex Angie Stone tragically died in a car accident on March 1, 2025, in Montgomery, Alabama. The source notes that Mike Jr. has endured “a lot in such a short amount of time,” having lost both parents within six months.
Though D’Angelo rose to fame as a soul and R&B heartthrob in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the singer had largely retreated from public life in recent years. Sources describe him as eccentric and reclusive, often avoiding the spotlight despite having a manager and opportunities to work.
Struggles with Self-Image
Despite being widely recognized for his sex appeal, particularly due to the iconic NSFW music video for “Untitled (How Does It Feel),” D’Angelo struggled with his public image. The source explains:
“He battled with his weight. The chiseled machismo man that people fell in love with wasn’t his natural aesthetic. He was naturally a bigger guy. He never was comfortable being a sex symbol, but also he didn’t like people seeing him on his heavier side, so he was always really conflicted.”
This internal conflict contributed to D’Angelo’s retreat from public life, even as his music continued to captivate audiences worldwide.
Remembering D’Angelo’s Musical Legacy
Born Michael Eugene Archer in Richmond, Virginia, D’Angelo made an indelible mark on music with his debut album, Brown Sugar (1995), which peaked at No. 4 on the U.S. Billboard Top R&B Albums chart and achieved platinum status within a year. The album earned him four Grammy nominations and established him as a central figure in the neo-soul movement.
His sophomore album, Voodoo (2000), solidified his legendary status, topping both the U.S. Billboard Top R&B Albums chart and the Billboard 200 chart. The album earned D’Angelo two Grammy Awards, including Best R&B Album and Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for “Untitled (How Does It Feel).” He also received a nomination for Best R&B Song.
D’Angelo’s soulful voice, musicianship, and emotionally charged performances influenced a generation of R&B and neo-soul artists, and his music continues to resonate with fans globally.
Tributes Pour In
Following news of his passing, collaborators and fellow musicians shared heartfelt condolences. DJ Premier, who worked with D’Angelo on the 1998 track “Devil’s Pie,” took to social media, writing:
“Such a sad loss to the passing of D’Angelo. We have so many great times. Gonna miss you so much. Sleep peacefully D’ Love You KING.”
D’Angelo leaves behind a lasting musical legacy, a family that cherished him, and millions of fans who continue to celebrate his contributions to neo-soul and R&B music.
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