Legendary soul singer D’Angelo died of pancreatic cancer.
The Grammy winner’s cause of death was revealed Tuesday as news broke that he passed away in New York City at age 51.
“He was in hospice for two weeks but had been in the hospital for months,” a source told People.
D’Angelo’s family members confirmed his death in a statement to Variety, describing his battle with cancer as “prolonged and courageous.”
His loved ones wrote, “The shining star of our family has dimmed his light for us in this life. … 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,” they concluded.
D’Angelo’s manager did not immediately respond to Page Six’s request for comment.
The R&B artist, whose real name is Michael Eugene Archer, is survived by son Michael Jr., daughter Imani and son Morocco.
Imani posted multiple heartbreak emojis on her Instagram Story Tuesday, alongside a smiling photo of herself seated on a couch with her dad as he played guitar.
Michael Jr. and Morocco have yet to publicly address the loss.
The former, notably, also lost his 63-year-old mom, Angie Stone, in a tragic car accident earlier this year.
Stone was D’Angelo’s muse for “Brown Sugar,” his solo debut album — which includes “Lady,” one of the songs he is best known for.
D’Angelo’s other beloved neo-soul hits include “Untitled (How Does It Feel),” “Really Love” and more.
He was working on a new album prior to his passing, longtime collaborator Raphael Saadiq told “Rolling Stone Music Now” podcast listeners last year.
“He’s working on six pieces right now and he seems super excited,” Saadiq, 59, said in the September 2024 interview. “He’s in control of his own destiny at this point. … He knows it’s on him now and I think that’s a different angle that he’s coming from.”