D’Angelo‘s daughter, Imani Archer, posted a loving tribute to her father on Wednesday (Oct. 15), one day after the “Brown Sugar” singer died at age 51 following a long battle with pancreatic cancer. “dear daddy, there are no words to describe this immeasurable loss. I’m in absolute disbelief and shock,” she wrote in an Instagram post that featured a series of pictures of father and daughter from throughout the years.
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“You were my biggest hype man, my protector, my biggest musical inspiration, the kindest and most selfless man and the best father anyone could’ve ever had,” the post continued. “No one will EVER measure up to how brave and strong you are. Till the very end, you made sure to protect me from anything that would scare or hurt me. I love you so much Daddy. I wish I had more time to spend with you.”
D’Angelo’s family announced his death in a statement on Tuesday, saying, “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 family statement continued, “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 to join us in mourning his passing while also celebrating the gift of song that he has left for the world.”
In her post, Archer, 26, praised her Grammy-winning dad for teaching her about music, and life, sharing the heartbreak of losing him at such a young age. “For you to show me new music, play piano with me to our favorite songs, or to go back and forward about our favorite go to meals. You’re a one of a kind soul, and I’m so grateful you chose me to be your daughter. I’m not sure how I’ll be able to live on without you, but I’ll never forget all of your advice and things you’ve told me on how to get through this life,” she wrote.
“Dad…I miss you more than life and this is breaking my heart into a million pieces. I wish I could hold your hand just one more time,” the note concluded. “I will forever honor you and carry on your legacy Dad. Everything I do will always be for you. I’m gonna miss you and hearing your voice every single day. I’ll always be your BabyGirl.” She signed off with a defiant hashtag common among those fighting the disease and their loved ones: “f–kcancer.”
The post garnered comments of love and support from a number of other musicians, including John Legend, Busta Rhymes, Sheila E, Jojo, Robert Glasper, Chloe Bailey, LL Cool J, Disclosure and others.
The message from the late soul singer’s only daughter came after a equally emotional statement from Michael Archer Jr., D’Angelo’s son with late singer Angie Stone, who died on March 1 in a car accident. “I am grateful for your thoughts and prayers during these very difficult times, as it has been a very rough and sad year for me,” Archer Jr. told People. “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.”
Following his split with Stone, in addition to musician Archer, D’Angelo also had a second son, Morocco.
Though he only released three albums during his lifetime, D’Angelo’s music had a profound impact on fans and fellow musicians, many of whom have stepped forward to praise his intense, emotional artistry over the past few days, including former President Barack Obama, Lauryn Hill, Justin Timberlake, Beyoncé, Tyler, the Creator and many more.
