The festive season has turned sorrowful for the legendary frontman of The O’Jays, who is mourning a profound personal tragedy.
Eddie Levert, the iconic lead singer of The O’Jays and an enduring figure in R&B music, is facing an unimaginable loss. His youngest child, Ryan Levert, has tragically passed away at the age of 22, leaving her family and loved ones heartbroken during the holiday season.
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 news was further amplified by an Instagram post from Ryan’s nephew, LeMicah Levert, who shared his sorrow. Accompanying a series of photos depicting moments shared with Ryan, he wrote, “Whenever you didn’t answer the phone I knew something was wrong and now I’m going to have that feeling forever. I love you @missryanlevert! I wasn’t prepared for this.”
The moving tribute highlighted the bond he shared with Ryan, offering a glimpse into the depth of their connection.
Ryan, who courageously battled lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease, shared her journey with the illness in her Instagram bio, “22yrs.🦋 my dad is @eddielevertsr Lupus fighter💜.”
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
She further explained that Ryan’s condition had significantly impacted her organs, “Ryan’s lupus had attacked her organs, and she was suffering, but now the young Queen is at peace.”
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.
Co-hosted by Ryan, along with her mother Raquel, and nephew LeMicah, the podcast showcased the family’s close bond and ability to tackle topics with warmth and humor.
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.
Ryan often expressed her gratitude for her mother, Raquel, in heartfelt ways. On Mother’s Day 2020, she posted a touching message on Instagram, “Happy Mother’s Day to the most amazing person. I know without her I wouldn’t know most of my family…she is the glue that holds us all together.” The post included a collage of photos celebrating their deep bond.
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.
Ryan’s untimely passing has reopened wounds for the legendary singer, who has already endured the loss of his two eldest sons, Gerald and Sean, both of whom passed away in their prime.
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
On March 30, 2008, Eddie’s second son, Sean Levert, died at 39 following a medical emergency in jail. Sean had been detained for failing to pay child support. The autopsy was inconclusive, but authorities ruled out foul play.
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.
