"It has been a very rough and sad year for me": Michael Archer II, D'Angelo and Angie Stone’s son, reflects on losing both parents

Michael Archer II, son of D'Angelo, is breaking his silence after a heartbreaking year that saw him lose both of his parents — his mother, singer Angie Stone, in a car crash just seven months ago, and now his legendary father.

Following D'Angelo's death on Tuesday, Oct. 14, Michael Archer II shared an emotional statement with People, thanking fans for their support and vowing to honor the strength both of his parents instilled in him.

“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."

D'Angelo's family also released a statement after he passed from pancreatic cancer at 51. The representative said:

“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.”

The statement went on:

“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.”

Earlier, a source told the outlet that the "Brown Sugar" singer was under hospice care for a fortnight, but clarified that he had been hospitalized for months. His death comes after his wife, Angie Stone, Michael Archer II's mother, died from a car collission in March, which involved an 18-wheeler truck.

Angie Stone was traveling back home after a performance in Mobile, Atlanta, when the driver, Leethel Carter, reportedly lost control of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van.

Ladi Diamond, Stone's daughter from ex-husband Rodney Stone, took to Facebook to announce the unfortunate news.

"My mommy is gone."

D'Angelo's battle with his own image: "He was never comfortable being a s*x symbol"

Born in Richmond, Virginia, D'Angelo's career took off in 1995 with his hit album Brown Sugar. The record was then followed by his 2000 release Voodoo, which contains his popular bedroom jam, "Untitled (How Does It Feel)." In 2014, he dropped Black Messiah, comprising 12 tracks, including the rock guitar-heavy "The Charade."

Throughout his career, D'Angelo was prominent as a s*x symbol due to his physique. However, he reportedly struggled with the image. An insider revealed:

"He battled with his weight. The chiseled machismo man that people fell in love with, that wasn’t his natural aesthetic. He was naturally a bigger guy."

They continued:

"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."

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