Parks & Recreation star Rashida Jones paid tribute to her late father, legendary music producer Quincy Jones, in a touching tribute Nov. 7, writing, “He WAS love.”
By Will Reid Nov 08, 2024 2:06 AMTags
Legendary Music Producer Quincy Jones Dead at 91
Rashida Jones is remembering her father, Quincy Jones.
The Parks & Recreation alum paid tribute to the legendary music producer—known for making hits with superstars like Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra and Aretha Franklin—following his death Nov. 3, recalling a heartwarming memory of sitting in on his late-night composing sessions growing up.
“When I was little,” Rashida wrote in an Instagram post Nov. 7, “I would wake up in the middle of the night to search for him. Undoubtedly, he would be somewhere in the house, composing (old school, with a pen and sheet music).”
“He would never send me back to bed,” she continued. “He would smile and bring me into his arms while he continued to work...there was no safer place in the world for me.”
The filmmaker, who co-directed the 2018 documentary Quincy about her father, went on to describe him as “a giant. An icon. A culture shifter. A genius.”
“All accurate descriptions of my father,” she explained, “but his music (and ALL of his work) was a channel for his love. He WAS love. He made everyone he ever met feel loved and seen. That’s his legacy.”
Rashida concluded her message by reflecting on her close bond with the prolific musician.
“I’ll miss his hugs and kisses and unconditional devotion and advice,” she added. “Daddy, it is an honor to be your daughter. Your love lives forever.”
Arnold Turner/Getty Images for Freedom Road Productions
Quincy passed away at age 91 at his home in Bel Air, Calif., surrounded by his children, siblings and close family, his publicist Arnold Robinson confirmed to NBC News.
His career spanned over seven decades and included 28 Grammy wins, an Emmy and a Tony. In addition, he was the first African American to earn an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song in 1968. He would later receive an honorary Oscar in 1995.
“We take comfort and immense pride in knowing that the love and joy, that were the essence of his being, was shared with the world through all that he created,” his family said in a statement obtained by NBC News. “Through his music and his boundless love, Quincy Jones’ heart will beat for eternity.”
(E! and NBC News are part of the NBCUniversal family.)
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App