Imani Archer, the only daughter to the late neo-soul singer, D’Angelo, is publicly grieving her father’s death with a deeply emotional tribute on Instagram, describing herself as being in “absolute disbelief and shock.”
She opened her caption with, “Dear daddy, there are no words to describe this immeasurable loss,” and called him “my biggest hype man, my protector, my biggest musical inspiration, the kindest and most selfless man and the best father anyone could’ve ever had.”
Archer went on to share that D’Angelo “till the very end” sought to shield her from pain and fear, and she lamented the moments she wished she could have had more: playing their favorite songs on the piano, talking over meals, or simply holding his hand again.
“You’re a one of a kind soul,” she wrote, “and I’m so grateful you chose me to be your daughter.” She expressed uncertainty of how she’ll move forward without him, but promised she’d never forget his advice and what she’s learned from his lessons.
She closed by sharing, “Everything I do will always be for you … I’ll always be your BabyGirl … I’m gonna miss you and hearing your voice every single day.”
Archer’s raw grief has welcomed an outpouring of love, support, and condolences. Her father was such an important figure in music and the world, it’s hard to ignore the hole he’s left behind. D’Angelo, born Michael Eugene Archer, passed away on October 14, 2025, at age 51 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Imani is one of D’Angelo’s three children. She was generous in sharing her broken heart with the world and for giving us all an inside look into who D’Angelo was as a man and a father. May her heart find and hold on to peace as she navigates one of the most difficult life experiences one could endure.