With one album dedication announcement, singer Sufjan Stevens not only came out, but also revealed that his beloved partner had passed away.
Posting to Instagram today, the notoriously private singer shared a photo of his late partner Evans Richardson lying peacefully in bed, to whom he dedicated his latest album, Javelin.
“JAVELIN is out today. Thank you for listening. I love you,” Stevens, 48, began his post, before revealing all.
READ MORE: Jason Derulo ‘deeply offended’ by sexual misconduct claims
“This album is dedicated to the light of my life, my beloved partner and best friend Evans Richardson, who passed away in April. He was an absolute gem of a person, full of life, love, laughter, curiosity, integrity, and joy. He was one of those rare and beautiful ones you find only once in a lifetime – precious, impeccable, and absolutely exceptional in every way.
“I know relationships can be very difficult sometimes, but it’s always worth it to put in the hard work and care for the ones you love, especially the beautiful ones, who are few and far between. If you happen to find that kind of love, hold it close, hold it tight, savour it, tend to it, and give it everything you’ve got, especially in times of trouble,” he advised his fans
“Be kind, be strong, be patient, be forgiving, be vigorous, be wise, and be yourself. Live every day as if it is your last, with fullness and grace, with reverence and love, with gratitude and joy. This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Thank you. I love you. XOS”
READ MORE: Drake announces sudden hiatus after revealing health issues
Prior to this dedication, Stevens had not revealed anything about his sexual orientation, nor his relationship status.
The Oscar-nominated musician’s admission comes as he recently revealed he is learning how to walk again following his sudden diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome.
The singer-songwriter wrote on his Tumblr account, recalling the scary moment the month beforehand when he realised he couldn’t walk.
“My hands, arms and legs were numb and tingling and I had no strength, no feeling, no mobility. My brother drove me to the ER and after a series of tests—MRIs, EMGs, cat scans, X-rays, spinal taps (!), echo-cardiograms, etc.—the neurologists diagnosed me with an auto immune disorder called Guillain-Barré Syndrome,” he shared with his fans.
For a daily dose of 9Honey, subscribe to our newsletter here.
Wild moment actor tried to kick David Letterman on air
He was then treated with immuno-hemoglobin infusions for five days and spent two weeks in “Med/Surg” while doctors stabilised his condition.
He has since been transferred to an acute rehabilitation centre where he is undergoing intensive physical therapy, occupational therapy, strength building, to learn how to walk on his own again.
Since being in rehab he has regularly updated fans on his life and progress.
