Mary J. Blige shared her sorrow over D’Angelo’s death and Angie Stone’s passing, calling both artists “beautiful people.”
Mary J. Blige is still grappling with the heartbreak of D’Angelo dying from pancreatic cancer and the earlier death of his former partner, Angie Stone, calling both artists “beautiful people” in a somber tribute.
The Grammy-winning singer opened up about the emotional toll of losing two close collaborators in the same year, describing the grief as surreal. Speaking to People, Blige recalled her time working with the neo-soul icon and Stone, who died in a car accident in March.
“I worked with him and Angie [Stone],” Blige said. “I knew Angie very well and I knew D’Angelo very well, and I’m just still shocked and surprised.”
She added, “I just can’t believe that both of them are gone.”
D’Angelo, known for his genre-defining role in the neo-soul movement, died on October 14, 2025, at 51 after a private fight with an aggressive form of cancer.
His family confirmed his passing in a statement, noting his strength throughout the illness.
Blige reflected on the kindness and spirit both artists brought to the studio and beyond.
“They were the most beautiful people and just really nice people to work with and to know,” she said. “D’Angelo was a beautiful, beautiful person.”
D’Angelo had been quietly working on his fourth studio album before his death. His influence stretched across decades, shaping the sound of neo-soul and inspiring a generation of artists with his raw, soulful delivery and innovative production.
His 2000 hit “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” remains a cultural touchstone, and his artistry left a lasting imprint on music lovers and fellow performers alike.
D’Angelo was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia, and rose to prominence in the 1990s with his debut album “Brown Sugar.”
He followed it with the critically acclaimed “Voodoo,” cementing his place as one of the most influential voices in modern R&B.