Multi-Award-Winning Music Legend D’Angelo Passes Away at 51

D’Angelo, the Grammy-winning singer, songwriter and producer who helped define the neo-soul movement of the 1990s and 2000s, has died at the age of 51.

His death was announced Tuesday by The D’Angelo Estate, which said the musician, born Michael Eugene Archer, died after a prolonged battle with pancreatic cancer.

“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. 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 join us in mourning his passing while also celebrating the gift of song that he has left for the world,” the estate said.

His son, Michael Archer II, also issued a statement. Archer II is the son D’Angelo shared with music legend Angie Stone, who died earlier this year 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. 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,” Archer II said in a statement provided by Ra-Fael Blanco of The Blanco Agency.

Photo Credit: Angie Stone, D’Angelo and Michael Archer II – Michael Archer II’s own photo