D’Angelo’s Only Daughter, Imani Archer, Speak Out After His Death

Imani Archer, D’Angelo’s only daughter, is paying tribute to the legendary R&B artist a day after his death.

D’Angelo, born Michael Eugene Archer, died in New York City on Tuesday, Oct. 14, at the age of 51, after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. A source told PEOPLE that “he was in hospice for two weeks but had been in the hospital for months.”

Following the news, Archer, one of the “Brown Sugar” hitmaker’s three children, penned a letter to her father on Instagram.

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“Dear daddy, there are no words to describe this immeasurable loss,” she wrote on Wednesday, Oct. 15. “I’m in absolute disbelief and shock. you were 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 said that no one will live up to her father’s strength, noting that “till the very end,” he made sure to protect her from “anything that would scare or hurt me.”

She wished for more time with her father, during which the two could play their favorite songs on the piano or discuss their favorite meals.

“You’re a one of a kind soul, and I’m so grateful you chose me to be your daughter,” Archer continued. “I’m not sure how I’ll be able to live on without you, but I’ll never forget all of your advice and things you’ve told me on how to get through this life.”

Archer wrote that she misses her father “more than life” and that her heart is broken in “a million pieces.”

“I wish I could hold your hand just one more time,” she wrote, vowing to forever honor her father’s legacy.

“Everything I do will always be for you,” wrote Archer. “I’m gonna miss you and hearing your voice every single day. I’ll always be your BabyGirl😞❤️‍🩹💔.”

The proud daughter ended her post by writing “f— cancer.”

In the comment section, former Real Housewives of Atlanta star Cynthia Bailey wrote, “Heartbreaking. I am so sorry for your loss Imani. Sending my deepest condolences, love & prayers to you and your mother.💔🕊️🙏🏽.”

Sheila E. commented, “😢💔🙏🕊️so sorry for ur loss.” John Legend wrote, “❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️,” as Loni Love expressed, “Prayer of comfort to you … keep being excellent for your Dad!!!!”

D’Angelo’s family confirmed his death in a statement shared with PEOPLE, expressing that “the shining star of our family has dimmed his light for us in this life.”

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“We are saddened that he can only leave dear memories with his family, but we are eternally grateful for the legacy of extraordinarily moving music he leaves behind,” the statement said. “We ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time but invite you all join us in mourning his passing while also celebrating the gift of song that he has left for the world.”