Rashida Jones took to social media to pay a heartfelt tribute to her iconic father, Quincy Jones, who passed away on Sunday at 91.
The renowned music producer left an indelible mark on the industry, and his daughter’s words beautifully captured his enduring legacy.
“My dad was nocturnal his whole adult life. He kept ‘jazz hours’ starting in high school and never looked back,” Rashida shared.
“When I was little, 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. He would smile and bring me into his arms while he continued to work…there was no safer place in the world for me.”
Rashida’s tribute highlighted her father’s profound impact on music and culture. “He was a giant. An icon. A culture shifter. A genius,” she wrote. “All accurate descriptions of my father, but his music (and ALL of his work) was a channel for his love. He WAS love.”
Quincy’s legacy, she emphasized, lies in the love and connection he shared with everyone he met.
“He made everyone he ever met feel loved and seen. That’s his legacy,” Rashida said. “I was fortunate enough to experience this love in close proximity. I’ll miss his hugs and kisses and unconditional devotion and advice. Daddy, it is an honor to be your daughter. Your love lives forever.”
Oprah Winfrey also paid tribute to Quincy, referring to him as “My beloved Q.” She shared how meeting him changed her life forever and described his extraordinary ability to connect with others.
“He walked around with his heart wide open, and he treated everybody as if they were the most important person he’d ever met. He was the Light. No shadows.”
Quincy Jones’ remarkable 60-year career included collaborations with Michael Jackson on iconic albums like Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad, as well as his work on Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of The Color Purple.
He received numerous accolades, including the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, the Grammy Legend Award, and 28 Grammys.