The festive season has turned sorrowful for the legendary frontman of The O’Jays, who is mourning a profound personal tragedy.
On Tuesday, December 24, The O’Jays shared the somber news in a heartfelt Facebook post. The message read, “We are devastated over the heartbreaking passing of Ryan Levert. An angel among us, who has returned to heaven. Please respect the family’s need for privacy right now and hold them in your prayers.”
The moving tribute highlighted the bond he shared with Ryan, offering a glimpse into the depth of their connection.
Ryan Levert, Eddie Levert, and Raquel Levert on November 16, 2018, in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images
According to a Facebook post by Sarah Lyn Murphy, a family friend, Ryan had plans to raise awareness about her condition before her passing. “The irony is that Ryan was just saying she wanted to start doing more posts about her journey with lupus. I applauded her courage because my mom suffered with lupus too,” Sarah Lyn wrote.
Ryan Levert in a photo dated January 2, 2024 | Source: Instagram/missryanlevert
Ryan Levert with her mom Rachel Levert in a photo dated May 10, 2022 | Source: Instagram/missryanlevert
The news is especially devastating for Eddie, who has endured the loss of three children. Born on June 16, 1942, in Bessemer, Alabama, Eddie has built a rich legacy through music, acting, and now, with his family podcast, The Levert Opinion.
Just two weeks before her death, Eddie and Ryan recorded a joyful episode together. A clip from their December 11 episode, shared on Eddie’s Instagram, showed the father-daughter duo laughing and enjoying each other’s company.
Sarah Lyn’s Facebook post highlighted the challenges of lupus and the courage Ryan exhibited. “Lupus is a painful, oftentimes misdiagnosed autoimmune disorder. Doctors tell patients that their suffering is in their minds more often than not,” she wrote, urging for greater awareness of the disease.
Eddie Levert on August 31, 2024, in Inglewood, California | Source: Getty Images
On November 10, 2006, Eddie’s eldest son, Gerald Levert, a celebrated R&B singer known for his soulful voice and romantic ballads, died at 40. Gerald’s passing occurred at his Cleveland, Ohio, home, as confirmed by his record label, Atlantic Records. Just over a year later, the Levert family was struck by another tragedy.
Gerald Levert and Eddie Levert in New York, circa November 2002 | Source: Getty Images
The compounded loss has profoundly affected Eddie over the years. Speaking candidly in a 2011 interview, he reflected on the emotional toll of losing his sons. “I wish I could tell you that I had a sense of why, but I don’t,” Eddie said.
Eddie Levert on August 05, 2023, in Stockbridge, Georgia | Source: Getty Images
With Father’s Day approaching at the time, he shared his resolve to focus on his grandchildren while grappling with lingering questions. “Was it something I did? Maybe that’s why I’ve made so many changes in my life—to better myself,” he expressed. Eddie’s voice cracked as he added, “I really miss them. It’s just hard. But I can’t get caught up in the fact that it wasn’t supposed to be like this, because it happened.”
Eddie Levert in Los Angeles, circa December 2001 | Source: Getty Images
The untimely passing of Ryan Levert marks another devastating chapter for Eddie Levert and his family. Despite the overwhelming losses he has endured, Eddie continues to demonstrate resilience and love, focusing on the family and legacy that remains. Ryan’s vibrant spirit, alongside the cherished memories of Gerald and Sean, will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved them.
