The surviving children of Angie Stone, Diamond Stone and Michael Archer, have given a statement of gratitude for fans of their late mother, who died on Saturday, March 1.

On Monday, Diamond, whom Stone shares with her ex-husband, Rodney Stone, and Michael, whom the singer shares with D’Angelo, posted a message on Instagram, soundtrack to Stone’s 2001 single “Brotha.” 

“It is with heavy hearts that the children of the R&B singer Angie Stone along with her extended family want to thank you all for your love and well wishes during what is an extremely difficult time,” the caption began.

Diamond and Michael called their mother “an example for black women and girls everywhere,” while the R&B vocalist “loved and championed” Black men, as proved on “Brotha.” The children continued emphasizing Stone’s pioneering in early hip-hop as a member of trio The Sequence, which forged her path to a “solo career that defined neo soul.”

After thanking those who’ve reached out with sympathies, Diamond and Michael, on behalf of their extended family, asked for privacy “as they grieve the loss of their beloved mother.” Stone’s foundation Angel Stripes and attending college for ministry towards the end of her life were also highlighted, followed by news of a forthcoming funeral and memorial service. 

“Even though Angie is no longer with us physically, her family wants you to keep her legacy alive,” the caption concluded.

At 63 years old, Stone was the victim of a car accident early Saturday after leaving a concert in Mobile, Alabama. Among passengers in the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, which overturned and was struck by a semi truck, Stone was the only person who died.