D’Angelo Laid to Rest in Virginia over the Weekend as Stevie Wonder Performs at His Service

D’Angelo was laid to rest in a funeral in Virginia on Saturday, Nov. 1, 18 days after he died from pancreatic cancer. 

The family and friends of the soul legend gathered at Saint Paul’s Baptist Church in Henrico, Va., to celebrate his life. D’Angelo died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 51 on Oct. 14.

Stevie Wonder, Lauryn Hill and DJ Premier were among those in attendance at the funeral, held in D’Angelo’s home state. 

Wonder and D’Angelo’s former bands, The Soultronics and The Vanguard, performed musical tributes during the celebration of life service. The Grammy-winning artist sang “If It’s Magic,” “The Lord’s Prayer,” along with accompaniment from harpist Brandee Younger, and “As” with the bands. 

The funeral’s program reads, “Through music, love, and light, Michael D’Angelo Archer’s spirit will shine forever.”

The neo-soul trailblazer, whose real name is Michael Eugene Archer, died in New York City after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. 

“The shining star of our family has dimmed his light for us in this life,” D’Angelo’s family told PEOPLE in a statement. “After a prolonged 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, departing this life today, October 14th, 2025. 

The statement continued: “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. 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.”

D’Angelo’s debut album, Brown Sugar, released in 1995, peaked at No. 4 on the U.S. Billboard Top R&B Albums chart and went platinum within a year of its release. 

His sophomore album, Voodoo, peaked at No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Top R&B Albums chart. Voodoo won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Album, and the hit song “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” won Best Male R&B Vocal Performance, as well as a nomination for Best R&B song. 

D’Angelo’s third and last album, Black Messiah, was released in 2014. It won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Album and is considered a modern neo-soul masterpiece. 

Following the news of D’Angelo’s death, DJ Premier posted a tribute on X the day the singer died. 

“Such a sad loss to the passing of D’angelo. We have so many great times. Gonna miss you so much. Sleep Peacefully D’ Love You KING,” DJ Premier wrote.

Lauryn Hill shared images of D’Angelo in her tribute post on Instagram. 

The singer wrote, “I regret not having more time with you. Your undeniable beauty and talent were not of this world… You, sir, moved us, stirred us, inspired and even intimidated others to action with your genius.”

“Thank you for being a beacon to a generation and beyond… Thank you for charting the course and for making space during a time when no similar space really existed.”

“It is my earnest prayer that you… Brother are in peace, in bliss and in eternal light and fulfillment with our Father in heaven,” Hill wrote. “I love you and miss you.”