Imani Archer, the 26-year-old daughter of the late D’Angelo, has a touching tribute to her father the day after his death. In a lengthy statement she wrote on Instagram, Archer said she’s shocked after the loss of the man who was her “biggest hype man,” “protector,” and “biggest musical inspiration.”

Archer also described her father as “the kindest and most selfless man and the best father anyone could’ve ever had.”

“No one will EVER measure up to how brave and strong you are,” Archer wrote via Instagram. “Till the very end, you made sure to protect me from anything that would scare or hurt me. I love you so much Daddy. I wish I had more time to spend with you.”

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A post shared by Imani Archer (@imaniarcher)

D’Angelo died after a private battle with pancreatic cancer

As Blavity reported, D’Angelo died on Oct. 14 following a private battle with pancreatic cancer. He had been in treatment for several months. He was just 51 years old.

“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 family said in a statement on Tuesday. “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.”

In Archer’s Instagram post, she recalled some of her favorite memories with her father: “For you to show me new music, play piano with me to our favorite songs, or to go back and forward about our favorite go to meals. You’re a one of a kind soul, and I’m so grateful you chose me to be your daughter,” she wrote.

She added, “I’m not sure how I’ll be able to live on without you, but I’ll never forget all of your advice and things you’ve told me on how to get through this life. Dad…I miss you more than life and this is breaking my heart into a million pieces. I wish I could hold your hand just one more time.”

Archer concluded her tribute with, “I will forever honor you and carry on your legacy Dad. Everything I do will always be for you. I’m gonna miss you and hearing your voice every single day. I’ll always be your BabyGirl.”

How did D’Angelo get his start in music?

D’Angelo, born as Michael Eugene Archer, grew up performing in church in Richmond, Virginia. When he was just 18 years old, D’Angelo moved to New York City to pursue his musical dreams.

In 1995, D’Angelo dropped his debut album, Brown Sugar, which propelled him to superstardom. Spawning classics like “Lady” and “Brown Sugar,” the album earned him three nods at the 1996 Grammys, including Best R&B Album.

Four years later, his 2000 sophomore joint Voodoo proved to be even more successful than its predecessor, sparking the neo-soul movement. In 2001, the single “Untitled (How Does It Feel?)” earned D’Angelo his first Grammy for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance. Meanwhile, Voodoo won for Best R&B Album.

In addition to Archer, D’Angelo is survived by his two other children, including a son he shares with Angie Stone, who died in a car crash after leaving a performance in Montgomery, Alabama.

Imani Archer

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