by Jeroslyn JoVonn
October 15, 2025
“…One thing both my parents taught me was to be strong, and that's exactly what I plan on doing.”
Michael Archer II, the only child of soul legends D'Angelo and Angie Stone, has spoken out after the loss of his father, seven months after his mother's untimely death in a car accident.
Archer Jr., 27, issued a statement on Oct. 14, the day D'Angelo died of pancreatic cancer, thanking fans for their love and support.
“I am grateful for your thoughts and prayers during these very difficult times because it has been a very hard and sad year for me,” Archer told People. “I ask you to continue to think of me because it won't be easy, but both of my parents taught me to be strong and that's exactly what I plan on doing.”
The singer's family and the D'Angelo Estate released a statement announcing his death at the age of 51 after a “prolonged and courageous battle” with cancer.
“Our family's shining star has dimmed its light for us in this life…After a long 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 and departs this life today, October 14, 2025,” the estate said.
The statement continued: “We are saddened that he can only leave his family with fond memories, but we are eternally grateful for the legacy of exceptionally moving music he leaves behind.”
D'Angelo's health had reportedly deteriorated in recent months, and after several months in the hospital, he was required to remain in hospice care for two weeks.
In March, Stone, a singer, songwriter and founding member of the hip-hop trio The Sequence, died at age 63 in a car accident after performing at the Mardi Gras Association's Grand Marshal's Ball in Mobile, Alabama. In September, her family filed a wrongful death lawsuit, alleging that Stone initially survived the accident but was fatally struck by a tractor-trailer while trying to get out of the overturned van.
Archer Jr., who performs as Swayvo Train, shared an Instagram clip from the Heart and Neo-Soul (Ginuwine and D'Angelo) episode of MTV's Family Legacy in May. The clip showed him and Stone watching an old D'Angelo interview in which he talked about spending the years between his debut “Brown Sugar” in 1995 and “Voodoo” in 2000 with his family and how his son inspired his music.
“I had a son. After he was born, I started writing for the album. And this album is dedicated to my son,” D'Angelo said in the interview. “He not only inspired me to write songs, but also to be a better person and grow up. And that's what the album is about. For me, music is about growth, and I've grown a lot.”
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