Imani Archer is mourning the loss of her father, R&B icon D’Angelo, with a heartbreaking tribute following his death.
The Grammy-winning artist, born Michael Eugene Archer, died on Tuesday, October 14 at the age of 51 after a private battle with pancreatic cancer.
A day after his death, Archer shared an emotional letter in honor of her father on Instagram.
“Dear Dad, there are no words to describe this immeasurable loss,” she wrote. “I am absolutely in disbelief and shock. You were my biggest hype man, my protector, my biggest musical inspiration, the kindest and most selfless man and the best father anyone could ever have.”
The musician’s only daughter – who has forged her own path as a musician – recalled her father’s unwavering strength, writing that he continued to protect her “until the end” from “anything that would frighten or hurt me.”
“You are a unique soul, and I am so grateful that you chose me to be your daughter,” Archer added. “I’m not sure how I can live without you… Everything I do will always be for you.”
She ended her message with two powerful words: “f*** cancer.”
In a statement to VarietyD’Angelo’s family said, “The shining star of our family has dimmed its light,” adding that they are “eternally grateful for the legacy of extraordinarily moving music he leaves behind.”
