The world may remember Quincy Jones for his music, but his last public words tell a different story — one of a father’s love and devotion.
The world is still reeling from the loss of Quincy Jones, an icon who shaped music for over seven decades. But for his family, the void left by the legendary producer is a deeply personal heartbreak.
Quincy Jones presenting Amanda Booth the Global’s Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award at the Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show in Denver, Colorado, on November 2, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
Just before his passing, Quincy shared a poignant tribute to his eldest daughter, Martina Jones. In a heartfelt birthday post, he shared a warm photo of the two, writing, “Happy Birthday to my Tina Beena @martinafotos1!! 🎉. So proud to be yo papa! Big hug, I love you eternally.”
Quincy, known for elevating the work of music legends like Ray Charles, Michael Jackson, and Frank Sinatra, passed away peacefully at his home in Bel Air, California, on Sunday, November 3.
According to his rep, the talented producer died at the age of 91 surrounded by his children, siblings, and close relatives. His family expressed both sorrow and pride in a public statement.
Quincy Jones and his family, from a post dated September 15, 2023 | Source: Instagram/quincyjones/
They shared their sorrow and pride, announcing his passing with “full but broken hearts.” The statement continued, “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.”
While they will “miss him dearly,” they take comfort in the love and joy he brought to the world, noting that “Quincy Jones’ heart will beat for eternity” through his music and enduring spirit.
Quincy Jones and his family, from a post dated September 15, 2023 | Source: Instagram/quincyjones/
Following the family’s heartfelt statement, Quincy’s daughter Martina honored her father’s legacy with a moving tribute on Instagram. She posted cherished memories with him, including nostalgic photos, and shared her reflections on the profound role he played in her life.
“My dad to me was many things wrapped into one. My friend, my solid, my guidance and my inspiration of what love looks like,” she wrote. Martina expressed the deep void left by his passing, saying it would “take time to heal,” yet she holds close “his humor, his words, his wisdom and love of life.”
She also acknowledged the countless lives her father impacted through his work, noting that he touched others simply “by being who he was and sharing the love of his craft with the world.” In her final words, Martina expressed a love that runs deep, writing, “Thank you for loving me and being the best Dad EVER! Love always.”
Just months earlier, Martina marked her father’s 91st birthday with a heartfelt post and cherished photos, sharing how much joy he brought into her life and calling him a “beautiful human being.”
She joked about his age, saying he saw it as “just a number.” Martina expressed how much better her world felt with him in it and signed off with affectionate nicknames, calling herself his “Lovebug, Ladybird, and Kittycat.”
Martina shared a special bond with her father, one marked by deep affection and gratitude. In a touching Father’s Day post in June 2023, she expressed just how fortunate she felt to call him daddy.
“I love you from the bottom of my heart,” she wrote, thanking him for being himself and for his unconditional love. Her message, full of warmth and admiration, ended with, “Happy Father’s Day!” signed off with three red heart emojis.
Martina is one of Quincy’s eldest children. She grew up in Sweden after her dad and mother, Ulla Anderson divorced in 1975.
During her late teenage years, she returned to the U.S. and began studying dance. After some time, she followed her mother’s career path and became a model, a pattern seen in some of the other siblings. Once she retired from catwalks, she turned to photography.
Although she did not become as famous in her professional life compared to her younger sisters, she still made a good name for herself in the industry.
Jones was married three times and fathered seven children with five different women. His other children include daughters Rashida Jones, Kidada Jones, Kenya Kinski-Jones, Rachel Jones, Jolie Jones, and son Quincy Delight.
