Did D'Angelo have cancer? Grammy-winning 'Neo-Soul' pioneer dies at 51

R&B singer D'Angelo, who had been privately battling pancreatic cancer, has passed away. According to People Magazine, the legendary artist died while in hospice care on Tuesday, October 14, where he had been staying for two weeks prior. The news of D'Angelo's death was first confirmed to Variety by his family, who released a statement saying:

"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."

The statement further requested privacy for the family during this difficult time, adding:

"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 news of the D'Angelo's sudden passing has shocked his colleagues and fans across the world, many of whom have taken to social media to pay their respects.

More about D'Angelo, as the beloved soul singer passes away after a private battle with cancer

D'Angelo, whose real name was Micheal Eugene Archer, was born on February 11, 1974, to Pastor Luther Archer jr. and Marianne Smith. He and his siblings grew up in Richmond, Virginia, and he later moved to New York to pursue a career in music.

In 1995, D'Angelo released his first album "Brown Sugar," which peaked at the No. 4 spot on the Billboard Top R&B Chart and he later went on to receive four Grammy nominations in 1996. He was less active following the release of his debut album, but his second studio album "Voodoo" released in 2000 debuted at the No.1 spot on the Billboard 200 Chart. The album received three Grammy Awards nominations and won Best Male R&B Performance and Best R&B Album in 2001.

According to People Magazine, D'Angleo went through several personal struggles related addiction in the early 2000s, before making a comeback with his third studio album "Black Messiah" in 2014. A source close to People Magazine, expressed how the "Lady" singer struggled with addiction issues, rising from his status a s*x symbol. They said :

"He never was comfortable being a s*x symbol, but also he didn’t like people seeing him on his heavier side, so he was always really conflicted. He was a heavy smoker and a drinker."

The album, "Black Messiah" which was met with critical acclaim went on to earn multiple awards, including Best R&B Award, at the Grammy Awards while its lead single won the Best R&B song.

According to Billboard, D'Angelo was reportedly working on new music in collaboration with Raphael Saadiq, back in 2024 and was excited for fans to hear his latest work.

According to New York Times, D'Angelo, who was fifty one at the time of his death, is survived by his son, whom he shared with his late ex-girlfriend Angie Stone, who herself tragically passed away in a car accident earlier this year in March. He also leaves behind two other children, a daughter, Imani Archer, born in 1999, and another child, who was born in 2010.

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