Neo-soul legend D’Angelo has passed away at the age of 51 after a long and brave fight with cancer, his family announced. The Grammy-winning artist died on October 14, 2025, reportedly from pancreatic cancer. D’Angelo was a key figure in the neo-soul movement, mixing soul, funk, jazz, and R&B in his music. His debut album, Brown Sugar, released in 1995, went platinum and made him famous.
His second album, Voodoo (2000), featured the well-known song ‘Untitled (How Does It Feel),’ which brought him even more recognition partly due to its minimalist music video. Over the years, D’Angelo worked with major artists like Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, and Angie Stone, who was his partner and mother to his son. Sadly, Stone died in a car accident earlier in 2025 at the age of 63.
In a statement shared with Variety, D’Angelo’s family said, “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 worldwide as D’Angelo, has been called home.” They added, “We are sad he leaves only memories, but grateful for his incredible musical legacy.” They also requested privacy during this hard time while inviting fans to celebrate his gift of music.
Pancreatic cancer affects many, with around 67,440 Americans diagnosed in 2025—about 3.3% of all new cancer cases in the country, according to the National Cancer Institute. The pancreas is an organ behind the stomach that creates digestive enzymes and hormones regulating blood sugar. Pancreatic cancer most commonly starts in the ducts of the pancreas and is called pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
The disease is hard to detect early because symptoms often don’t appear until it has spread. For this reason, it is nicknamed ‘the silent killer.’ Awareness is crucial because symptoms can be subtle and mistaken for other issues. The Mayo Clinic lists 10 main symptoms of pancreatic cancer to watch for, including pain in the abdomen that radiates to the back or sides, loss of appetite and weight loss, weakness and tiredness, and itchiness.
Other signs may show in bodily functions, like light or floating stools and dark urine. Jaundice—yellowing of the skin and eyes—occurs when the tumor blocks the bile duct, causing a buildup of bilirubin in the blood. Additionally, new or worsening diabetes is a warning sign since pancreatic cancer can affect insulin production. Lastly, pain or swelling in the limbs could indicate a blood clot.
If you notice any concerning symptoms, it is important to see a doctor promptly for evaluation and care.
