D’Angelo’s Daughter Imani Archer Pens Emotional Tribute After His Death at 51: ‘Disbelief and Shock’

Late singer D’Angelo’s daughter, Imani Archer, is expressing her grief in a heartfelt letter penned just a day after his death. The “Brown Sugar” singer died from pancreatic cancer on Tuesday, October 14.

“Dear daddy, there are no words to describe this immeasurable loss. I’m in absolute disbelief and shock. 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,” Imani wrote in an Instagram post on Wednesday, October 15, alongside several photos of herself and her father.

Imani 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. 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,” the post went on. “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. 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.”

Imani concluded, “I’ll always be your BabyGirl😞❤️‍🩹💔”

D’Angelo’s family announced his death in a statement to Us Weekly on Tuesday.

“The shining star of our family has dimmed his light for us in this life,” the singer’s family said. “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 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.”

D’Angelo’s record label, RCA, said in a statement to Us, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of D’Angelo. He was a peerless visionary who effortlessly blended the classic sounds of soul, funk, gospel, R&B, and jazz with a hip-hop sensibility. A known perfectionist, D’Angelo released three albums that were widely celebrated as masterpieces by both the music community and his beloved fans around the world. He was heavily awarded and critically acclaimed for his talents.”

As well as Imani, D’Angelo had two sons, including his eldest son, Michael Archer II, whom he shared with the late singer Angie Stone. Stone died in a car accident in March, just seven months before D’Angelo’s death.

“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,” Michael told People in a statement on Tuesday. “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.”