R&B Star D'Angelo Spent His Last Days in Hospice

The neo-soul legend, who rose to fame in the late ‘90s and early ‘00s, passed away following a private battle with cancer. He spent his last days being cared for by his family.

D'Angelo, the iconic R&B singer famed for smash hits like "Brown Sugar" and "Cruisin," died in New York City on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, following a quiet battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 51.

His family confirmed the news in a statement with People. "The shining star of our family has dimmed his light for us in this life," the statement began.

"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."

In their message, D'Angelo's family said they were saddened by his death, but felt "eternally grateful for the legacy of extraordinarily moving music he leaves behind." They asked for privacy during this time, but invited fans to mourn the singer while celebrating his "gift of song."

Shortly after the news broke, a source told People that D'Angelo spent his final days surrounded by his loved ones. "He was in hospice for two weeks but had been in the hospital for months," the source said. Through it all, he had his son, Mike Jr. — whom he welcomed with the late Angie Stone — at his side.

"His son was there with him and had been with him in the hospital," the source continued. "People are really worried about Mike right now; his mom died a day after his birthday and now six months later he's burying his dad."

Angie passed away in a car accident on March 1 of this year. "He's been through a lot in such a short amount of time," the source noted of Mike Jr. On the day of his father's passing, Mike Jr. took to his Instagram Stories to express his grief, revealing that he watched the singer die.

"I just sat there watching my daddy die after feeling like it was the first time he and I were truly building. He was there when I needed him most after the passing of momma. Unfortunately, time ran out," he wrote.

"I know it wasn't done with malicious intent," he continued. "But, today I'm not in any state of mind to make any statements. I wasn't planning to."

Prior to his death, D'Angelo was scheduled to perform at the Roots Picnic Festival, held at the Mann in Fairmount Park, in Philadelphia on May 31 and June 1, but canceled due to an "unforeseen medical delay."

He announced his withdrawal from the event on social media. "It is with the deepest of regrets that I must cancel my performance at the Roots Picnic in Philadelphia next weekend," he wrote in a post shared on the festival's official Facebook account.

"But, due to an unforeseen medical delay regarding surgery I had earlier this year, I've been advised by my team of specialist that the performance this weekend could further complicate matters," he continued.

D'Angelo said it was "nearly impossible" to express how disappointed he felt that he couldn't make it. Still, he added, "I'm so thankful to my beautiful fans for continuing to rock with me and I thank u for your continued support."

Roots Picnic later confirmed that neo-soul singer Maxwell would be headlining the festival in D'Angelo's place. The line-up also included Lenny Kravitz, Meek Mill, GloRilla, Kaytranada, Tems, and Miguel.