Actress Rashida Jones paid a heartfelt tribute to her late father, the esteemed music producer Quincy Jones, on Thursday, describing him on social media as a genius who was a "culture shifter" par excellence. Quincy Jones, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 91, left behind a void that his family described in a statement as an "incredible loss," vowing to celebrate his remarkable life and acknowledge that there would never be another like him.
In a poignant post on social media on Thursday, the daughter of this musical legend penned, "My dad lived a nocturnal life throughout his entire adulthood. From high school onward, he adhered to 'jazz hours' and never once looked back. As a child, I'd awaken in the dead of night to search for him. Inevitably, I'd find him somewhere within the confines of our home, composing music the old-school way—with a pen and sheet music. He'd never usher me back to bed but would instead smile warmly, enveloping me in his arms while he continued his work. For me, there was no safer haven on earth."
The star of "Parks and Recreation" further elaborated, labeling her father as "a giant, an icon, a culture shifter, and a genius," asserting that these monikers were all "accurate descriptors of my father, but his music—and all of his work—was a conduit for his boundless love. He embodied love itself." She concluded her tribute with, "He made everyone he encountered feel cherished and seen. This is his enduring legacy. I was incredibly fortunate to experience this love up close and personal. I'll forever miss his hugs, kisses, unconditional devotion, and sage advice. Daddy, it is an immense honor to be your daughter. Your love will live on eternally."
Jones's illustrious career, spanning six decades, saw him receive the Motion Picture Academy's Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 1995, the Grammy Legend Award in 1991, and an astounding 28 Grammys from a total of 80 nominations. He was also slated to receive an honorary Oscar at the Governors Awards on November 17. His credits include producing Michael Jackson's blockbuster albums "Off the Wall," "Thriller," and "Bad," as well as contributing to Steven Spielberg's 1985 adaptation of "The Color Purple," which starred a young Oprah Winfrey.
In her own heartfelt tribute, Winfrey referred to the producer as "My beloved Q," writing, "My life took a turn for the better forever after meeting him. He walked through life with his heart open wide, treating everyone as though they were the most significant person he had ever encountered. He was the Light. Shadows had no place in his presence."
