Michael Archer Jr., the son of acclaimed neo-soul artist D’Angelo and music icon Angie Stone, has released a poignant statement following the recent death of his father. D’Angelo passed away on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at the age of 51, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. This devastating loss comes merely seven months after the tragic passing of his mother, Angie Stone, making it an exceptionally challenging and sorrowful year for Archer Jr.

In his statement to People, Archer Jr. conveyed his gratitude, saying, “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.” He further requested continued support, acknowledging the difficulty ahead: “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 officially confirmed his passing in a statement shared with Billboard, lamenting the loss of a “shining star.” The statement read, “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, Oct. 14, 2025.”

His mother, Angie Stone, a founding member of the influential trio The Sequence, tragically died at age 63 on March 1, 2025. Her death occurred in a car crash while she was en route back to Atlanta from Alabama, following her final performance at the Mardi Gras Association’s Grand Marshal’s Ball in Mobile. Walter Millsap, president of Conjuction Entertainment, detailed the incident to Billboard, stating, “Unfortunately, at around 4 a.m. while heading back to Atlanta from Alabama, the Sprinter flipped over and was subsequently hit by a big rig. Thankfully, all survived except for Angie.”

Michael Archer Jr., who performs under the stage name Swayvo Train, recently shared an Instagram clip from MTV’s Family Legacy episode “Heart and Neo-Soul (Ginuwine and D’Angelo).” In the clip, he and his mother, Angie Stone, watched an old interview with D’Angelo. During the interview, D’Angelo reflected on the period between his 1995 debut album “Brown Sugar” and his 2000 album “Voodoo,” revealing the profound impact of his son’s birth. D’Angelo stated, “I had a son. After his birth, I started writing for the album. And this album is dedicated to my son. He inspired me not just to write songs but to be a better man and to grow up. And that’s what the album is about. Music to me is about growth, and I grew a lot.”

Earlier in the year, when Angie Stone passed away, Archer Jr. paid a heartfelt tribute on Instagram. His emotional post read, “Hey mama, I ain’t want nothing, just wanted to say I love you … I’m so grateful for the lessons that I learned from you, I hope to one day be as good to my kids as you were to me. I just wanted to you to know that I got it from here, I’m gonna be okay… and I’m gonna LONG LIVE YOU 4Ever love you mama.” These profound losses within a short span underscore the immense grief and resilience of Michael Archer Jr. as he navigates a future shaped by the enduring legacies of both his parents.