D’Angelo had been ‘extremely overwhelmed’ by the death of ex Angie Stone which took place seven months before his own passing.
The former couple – who welcomed son Michael D’Angelo Archer II in 1998 – previously dated in the 90s for four years. Stone had been 30 while the late R&B singer was 19 at the start of their romance.
Stone tragically died in a car accident earlier this year on March 1 in Alabama following a performance.
The Daily Mail confirmed that D’Angelo passed away at the age of 51 on Tuesday after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
A source told People that Stone’s death had been ‘devastating to him’ and added the Brown Sugar singer ‘never arrived at her funeral service. He was extremely overwhelmed.
The insider continued, ‘They’d moved on with their lives romantically of course, but the idea that both of them would be gone within the same year is sad. They were forever tied as this pop culture couple.’
D’Angelo had been ‘extremely overwhelmed’ by the death of ex Angie Stone which took place seven months before his own passing; seen in 2012 in New Orleans
Stone tragically died in a car accident earlier this year on March 1 in Alabama following a performance; seen in 2021 in Atlanta
Stone – who was known as a member of the iconic hip-hop trio The Sequence – was killed in a car crash at the age of 63 which occurred on March 1 in Alabama.
The singer had been with her band members and backup singers inside a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter when it overturned.
Stone was the only fatality in the tragic accident.
Along with son Michael – whom she welcomed with D’Angelo – she was also mom to daughter Diamond.
D’Angelo’s death was confirmed on Tuesday with his representative releasing a statement to the Daily Mail which read: ‘It is with profound sadness and the heaviest of hearts that I confirm the passing of Michael D’Angelo Archer.
‘D’Angelo passed away earlier today, October 14, 2025, in New York City. He was 51 years old.’
During his lifetime, the soul singer garnered four Grammy wins and was known for his tracks including Brown Sugar and Lady.
A number of celebrities paid emotional tributes to the late music artist upon learning of his passing.
A source told People that Stone’s death had been ‘devastating to him’ and added the Brown Sugar singer ‘never arrived at her funeral service. He was extremely overwhelmed’
The singer had been with her band members and backup singers inside a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter when it overturned. Stone was the only fatality in the tragic accident; seen in 2024 in Atlanta
D’Angelo’s death was confirmed on Tuesday with his representative releasing a statement to the Daily Mail which read: ‘It is with profound sadness and the heaviest of hearts that I confirm the passing of Michael D’Angelo Archer’; seen in 1997 in L.A.
Beyonce honored the singer on her website by sharing a photo of the late singer and a message which read, ‘We thank you for your beautiful music, your voice, your proficiency on the piano, your artistry.
‘You were the pioneer of neo-soul and that changed and transformed rhythm & blues forever. We will never forget you.’
Other music artists such as Doja Cat, Missy Elliott, Justin Timberlake and Jamie Foxx shared special tributes.
D’Angelo was also father to daughter Imani, 26, and Morocco Archer, 15. Imani shared a photo of herself with the late singer along with three bandaged heart emojis.
His son Michael also reflected on losing both his mother and father in the same year.
‘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 told People.
‘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 and Stone had dated in the 1990s for four years, starting when she was 30 and he was just 19.
D’Angelo was also father to daughter Imani, 26, and Morocco Archer, 15. Imani shared a photo of herself with the late singer along with three bandaged heart emojis
‘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 told People; D’Angelo seen in 2012 in New Orleans
They also collaborated musically: Stone co-wrote and co-produced D’Angelo’s 1995 debut, Brown Sugar, which earned a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Album.
Despite their success, the relationship drew criticism over the age gap.
Stone later addressed the public scrutiny in an interview with Essence, explaining the difference in their ages.
‘I think because D’Angelo was my first relationship, people think that I only date young men. Because I look younger, these guys don’t know my age when they get involved with me and I don’t really know theirs, but I act on spirit,’ she said at the time.
‘The younger guys that I’ve dated have been mature. My man now is older than most of the guys I’ve dated, but still younger than me.’
She added, ‘The criticism that D’Angelo and I received about our relationship only began once he became successful.’
‘What people didn’t realize was that before he became successful there was Angie Stone from the group Vertical Hold – a strong beautiful sister who dated somebody who had not even crossed the threshold of the industry yet,’ she continued.
‘When I was dating him he wore glasses, had short hair and his pants were hanging down to his butt. He was just a 19-year-old kid with big shorts and nobody cared and no one saw his beauty but me.
Stone later addressed the public scrutiny in an interview with Essence, explaining the difference in their ages; seen in 2024 in Atlanta
‘And I told him, “You are beautiful. I promise you when your record drops your lips are gonna become famous, your eyes – everything will become famous.”‘
Stone continued, ‘But he couldn’t see it because his self-esteem wasn’t where it is today. He didn’t even have an image and his hair was really short so I braided his hair with thread for his first album cover.
‘It wasn’t until Brown Sugar came out that people actually took a good look at him and said, “You know what? He’s fine.” Then all of a sudden, he’s so fine he shouldn’t be with me.’
She also defended the impact she had on D’Angelo’s early music.
‘To set the record straight, D’Angelo is a genius and he doesn’t need Angie or anybody to make him who he is.’
Reflecting on their status in 2020, she said, ‘D’Angelo and I are parents first. For the sake of my son, I would never disrespect his father. I am an understanding sister and it’s a love-hate relationship and I hope people don’t misunderstand my statement.
‘There are times that we are silent and there are times that we laugh. He’ll always have a special place in my heart.’
Following D’Angelo’s passing, his family also issued a statement on Tuesday and expressed, ‘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.’
