Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Sufjan Stevens shared a heart-rending message on social media today, dedicating his new album Javelin to his late partner.
The singer posted to his Tumblr on Friday afternoon, thanking his listeners and dedicating the album “to the light of my life, my beloved partner and best friend Evans Richardson, who passed away in April.” The accompanying picture shows Richardson, wearing an orange beanie and a lilac T-shirt featuring artwork for the musician Helado Negro, contentedly reclining on a bed as he smiles with his eyes closed.
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Stevens further described Richardson as “an absolute gem of a person, full of life, love, laughter, curiosity, integrity, and joy.” “He was one of those rare and beautiful ones you find only once in a lifetime—precious, impeccable, and absolutely exceptional in every way,” he wrote.”
According to an online obituary, Richardson passed away on April 30 at the age of 43. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Richardson served as the chief of staff at Harlem’s Studio Museum, which is dedicated to showcasing the work of Black artists. He was also elected as chair of the American Alliance of Museums’ accreditation commission in 2021, with “a focus on diversity and access for the communities they serve.”
Stevens, a Grammy and Oscar-nominated musician, has long been beloved by queer listeners who have found recognition in his tender, intricate, and often cryptic lyrics. This marks the first time Stevens has publicly acknowledged his own sexuality. He concluded his tribute to his partner by acknowledging that “relationships can be very difficult sometimes.”
“But it’s always worth it to put in the hard work and care for the ones you love, especially the beautiful ones, who are few and far between,” he wrote. “If you happen to find that kind of love, hold it close, hold it tight, savor it, tend to it, and give it everything you’ve got, especially in times of trouble. Be kind, be strong, be patient, be forgiving, be vigorous, be wise, and be yourself. Live every day as if it is your last, with fullness and grace, with reverence and love, with gratitude and joy. This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
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