D’Angelo has reportedly been laid to rest following his death at 51 from pancreatic cancer. The funeral service for the Grammy-winning musician took place on Saturday, November 1.
The tribute to the late artist, whose real name was Michael Eugene Archer, was held in Henrico, Virginia. Huff Post Deputy Editor Philip Lewis shared details from a funeral program facilitated by D’Angelo’s friend, Bill McGee.
Bishop Ralland V. Robinson officiated the ceremony and delivered the eulogy. Pastor Jamal Bryant also sent a special video message for the service.
Musical selections were performed by Stevie Wonder, harpist Brandee Younger, and D’Angelo’s former backing band, The Soultronics.
The "celebration of life" program included a message from D’Angelo’s loved ones. It expressed "deep gratitude for the overwhelming outpouring of support." They added, "Through music, love, and light, Michael D’Angelo’s spirit will shine forever."
The family personally thanked Questlove of The Roots for his help in organizing the service. On Thursday, October 30, Questlove penned an emotional tribute to D’Angelo for Rolling Stone.
He admitted to having been concerned about his friend’s health for over 25 years. "The truth is I wasn’t prepared for that gut punch," Questlove confessed. "I’d been preparing for this for about 25 years now, ever since the onslaught of [the album] Voodoo in 2000."
Questlove continued, "I always had a dormant feeling about D, kinda like ‘any minute now I’m gonna get ‘the call’." He noted that "most of our mavericks who fly so close to the sun almost never get to finish that journey."
"And now here I am at 5:30 a.m. I had seconds to decide: How do I absorb this new reality?" he wrote. "My preference was to not start my Tuesday morning … in mourning."
D’Angelo’s family confirmed the musician’s passing on October 14. He had died after a prolonged battle with cancer.
"The brightest star in our family has put out his light for us in this life," his family stated. "We share with broken hearts that Michael D’Angelo Archer, known by his fans around the world as D’Angelo, has departed."
The statement continued, "We are saddened that he can only leave beautiful memories for his family. However, we are eternally grateful for the legacy of extraordinarily soulful music he leaves behind." They requested privacy while inviting fans to mourn and celebrate his musical gift.
The four-time Grammy winner is survived by three children. He shared son Michael Archer with the late soul singer Angie Stone, who died in a car accident at 63 in March.
D’Angelo also had daughter Imani Archer and son Morocco Archer from other relationships. All three children were listed as speakers at his "celebration of life."
In October, D’Angelo’s eldest son, Michael, spoke out. He expressed his grief over the tragedy of losing both parents in the same calendar year.
"I appreciate your thoughts and prayers during these very difficult times," the 27-year-old Michael told People. "It has been a really tough and sad year for me."
He added, "I ask that you please keep me in your thoughts, because it won’t be easy. But something both parents taught me was to be strong, and that’s exactly what I will do."
His half-sister Imani described D’Angelo’s death as an "immeasurable loss." She confessed she was still in "absolute disbelief and shock."