R&B legend D'Angelo has died aged 51

Iconic American musician and producer D’Angelo has died, aged 51, his family have confirmed.

A statement provided to Variety reads: "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."

According to a report from TMZ on Tuesday (October 14), the celebrated singer’s death was due to pancreatic cancer.

The singer is said to have battled cancer in his final years (Andrew Lipovsky/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images)

Tributes have already poured in online for the star, including from lauded record producer DJ Premier and Marc Lamont Hill.

"Such a sad loss to the passing of D'angelo. We have so many great times. Gonna miss you so much. Sleep Peacefully D' Love You KING," the former penned on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Described as a neo-soul master by Red Bull Music Academy, the Virginia native released three studio albums, including his 1995 debut Brown Sugar and his sophomore record, Voodoo.

D’Angelo’s third and final LP, titled Black Messiah, was put out by RCA Records and featured 12 tracks, including ‘Really Love’, the artist’s first official single since 2008’s ‘I Found My Smile Again’.

Black Messiah hit number one on both the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and US Indie Store Album Sales Charts, and placed fifth on the US Billboard 200.

The singer has died aged 51 (Shahar Azran/Getty Images)

Tributes continue to pour through for the R&B singer, including one from the website Shatter The Standards.

They penned: "In the midst of celebrating D’Angelo’s life, our thoughts turn to their children, who now must navigate the world without their father. May you always feel the love that your father poured into every note.

"May the songs he crafted become a heartbeat you can lean on when the silence feels overwhelming. May the strength he showed in retreating from fame to preserve his spirit become an example of self‑care and integrity.

"When the ache of absence feels unbearable, may the music he made—the honeyed chords of Brown Sugar, the hypnotic grooves of Voodoo, the righteous fire of Black Messiah—wrap you in his embrace and remind you that he never left."