As we previously reported, Chadwick Boseman succumbed to his battle with colon cancer on Friday (Aug. 28) at the age of 43. A statement was shared on the actor’s social media pages that read, “It is with immeasurable grief that we can confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman. Chadwick was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016, and battled it these last 4 years as it progressed to stage IV. A true fighter, Chadwick preserved through it wall, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much. From Marshall to Da 5 Bloods, August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, and several more, all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy. It was the honor of his career to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther. He died in his home, with his wife and family by his side. The family thanks you for your love and prayers, and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time.”
Many celebrities, including Cardi B, Big Sean, SZA, Diddy, Toni Braxton, Ryan Coogler, and Michelle Obama, among others took to social media to pay tribute to the Black Panther star.
SZA, whose single “All the Stars” served as the theme to Black Panther, recalled meeting Boseman. “Down as hell about this s— . Wow .. thank you for changing our lives !!!… thank you for always being kind. I’m so honored to have met you at all. A TRUE LEGEND AND LIGHT! praying for your family’s guidance and ultimate healing rn Rest well King,” SZA said.
“My brotha I’m truly gonna miss you! You brought all of our hero’s to life. We thank you! Rest In Peace Chadwick Boseman,” Diddy wrote.
Mariah Carey tweeted, “This is heartbreaking. Thank you for persevering through it all. You leave behind an incredible body of work and an inspiring legacy. Rest in power. Chadwick Forever.”
Ciara recalled meeting Boseman. “Every time we crossed paths with you, you were kindest, chill, and most peaceful person. It’s truly so sad to hear what’s happened. Heaven has gained another angel. Rest in Paradise,” Ciara wrote on Instagram.
Toni Braxton said that Boseman’s favorite song of hers was “You Mean the World to Me.” “Our makeup artists are friends and he used to get on the phone and ask me to sing ‘You Mean The World To Me’ because it was his favorite song of mine,” she said, “and now this song will be forever dedicated to him. Rest In Power King.”
Big Sean reflected on Boseman’s “incredible work and sacrifice.” “Thank you for the incredible work and sacrifice bro, I can’t imagine what you were going through the last few years while delivering the amazing work you gave us,” Big Sean wrote on Instagram. “You were too undeniable n masterful. You never know what someone is really going through, remember that! Thank you Chadwick for lifting US up! God Bless your Soul.”
Cardi B, who performed on Saturday Night Live when Boseman hosted in 2018, paid homage to his “true warrior” spirit. “Rest In Peace KING. S— is soo sad man. Praying for his family. All that work and impact he did while battling cancer. True warrior s—,” she wrote.
“Chad was an anomaly. He was calm. Assured. Constantly studying,” wrote Ryan Coogler on Sunday morning (Aug. 30).”The ancestors spoke through him,” he added. “What an incredible mark he’s left for us.”
Former First Lady, Michelle Obama took to Instagram to honor Boseman. “I’ll always remember watching Chadwick in 42,” the former first lady wrote. “Barack and I were alone in the White House, on a weekend night with the girls away. I was so profoundly moved by the rawness and emotion in the barrier-breaking story. And not long after, when he came to meet with young people in the State Dining Room, I saw that Chadwick’s brilliance on screen was matched by a warmth and sincerity in person. There’s a reason he could play Jackie Robinson, Thurgood Marshall, and King T’Challa with such captivating depth and honesty. He, too, knew what it meant to truly persevere. He, too, knew that real strength starts inside. And he, too, belongs right there with them as a hero—for Black kids and for all of our kids. There’s no better gift with which to grace our world.”
Former President Barack Obama paid tribute to the star as well. “Chadwick came to the White House to work with kids when he was playing Jackie Robinson,” the former president wrote in his post. “You could tell right away that he was blessed. To be young, gifted, and Black; to use that power to give them heroes to look up to; to do it all while in pain—what a use of his years.”