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R&B and neo-soul star D’Angelo has died at age 51.

The Grammy winner had been privately battling pancreatic cancer, according to TMZ, which was first to report the news. 

“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,” his family said in a statement shared with Entertainment Weekly. 

“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,” the statement continued. “We ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time but invite you all join us in mourning his passing while also celebrating the gift of song that he has left for the world.” 

D’Angelo was born February 11, 1974, in Richmond, Virginia. His 1995 debut album, Brown Sugar, was both a critical and commercial success. It included chart-topping singles such as “Brown Sugar” and “Lady.” His 2000 album, Voodoo, earned him Grammy Awards for for Best R&B Album and Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for the song “Untitled (How Does It Feel)”. His third album, Black Messiah, was released in 2014.

Jill Scott, Jamie Foxx, and others react to D’Angelo’s death

As word of D’Angelo’s death spread, fans and other artists took to social media to pay tribute.

“Such a sad loss to the passing of D’angelo. We have so many great times,” DJ Premier, who collaborated with D’Angelo on the track “Devil’s Pie,” posted to X. “Gonna miss you so much. Sleep Peacefully D’ Love You KING.”

“I never met D’Angelo but I love him, respect him, admire his gift,” Jill Scott wrote on X. “This loss HURTS!!”

“R.I.P. ICON D’Angelo,” Flavor Flav posted.

Fellow singer Maxwell commented that D’Angelo paved the way for other artists. 

“Because u were , we are all because,” he wrote on Instagram. 

Actor Jamie Foxx also posted a lengthy tribute on Instagram. 

“Your voice was silky and flawless… I was graciously envious of your style and your swag… I was also in pure awe of your talents…. roaming around on each instrument, displaying your expertise in every note and every song … God put you here for a reason and we were all lucky enough to see what God had made…,” he wrote. “That’s why today real tears run down my face … to hear the news that God has taken one of his special creations home… I know God doesn’t make mistakes… But this one hurts like hell.”

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