Quincy Jones expressed his love as a father in his final Instagram post before his passing at age 91 on Sunday night. Just hours before his death, the legendary music icon shared a heartfelt message to his daughter, Martina, celebrating her 58th birthday.
“Happy Birthday to my Tina Beena @martinafotos1!! ????. So proud to be yo papa!” Quincy wrote, alongside a photo of the father-daughter duo smiling together.
“Big hug, I love you eternally ????????????,” the message added.
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Jones’ publicist, Arnold Robinson, confirmed that the music icon passed away at his Los Angeles home, surrounded by family, as reported by the New York Post.
“Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing,” Robinson said in a statement.
“And although this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life that he lived and know there will never be another like him.”
Jones was the proud father of seven children, including his daughter Martina and son Quincy III, 55, from his second marriage to Ulla Andersson. He also had two daughters, Kikada, 50, and Rashida, 48, with his third wife, Peggy Lipton.
The legendary singer also had another daughter, Rachel, 61, with dancer Carol Reynolds, and another daughter, Kenya, 31, with actress Nastassja Kinski.
His daughter Rashida is the most recognized among his children, known for her roles in TV shows such as Parks and Recreation, Boston Public, and Angie Tribeca, as well as films like The Social Network, I Love You, Man, and The Muppets.
Rashida directed the 2018 Netflix documentary Quincy, about her father, which won the Grammy Award for Best Music Film.
Jones had previously shared his thoughts on fatherhood in a Facebook post in 2018.
“Never underestimate your role in your kid’s lives… I learned that a bit later in my life, but I’m so glad I finally figured it out because being a father is hands down one of the greatest blessings!!” he wrote at the time.
“I’m forever grateful to my father for working so hard to keep a roof over our head back in the ’30s during The Great Depression,” he continued. “I’m telling y’awl, it’s up to you to create the type of relationship you want to have with your kid, & it’s never too late to start!”
Jones collaborated with music legends such as Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, and Ray Charles throughout his illustrious career, which earned him 28 Grammys, two honorary Academy Awards, and an Emmy Award.
He also received prestigious accolades, including France’s Legion d’Honneur, the Rudolph Valentino Award from Italy, and a Kennedy Center tribute for his significant contributions to American culture.
