R&B artist Keyshia Cole honored late singer Aaliyah Haughton with a heartfelt birthday post.
Cole took to Instagram on Wednesday, Jan. 16, to celebrate what would’ve been Aaliyah’s 40th birthday by sharing a graceful picture of the “At My Best” singer taken by photographer Juan Algarin. The 37-year-old artist said she never had the opportunity to meet Aaliyah before she passed away in 2001 but “would’ve loved to.”
“The BIG 40!!! You would’ve been today!!!,” Cole wrote. “Happy BDay, would’ve loved to have met you.”
@keyshia cole/ photo of Aalihyah Haughton
A slew of Cole’s fans also expressed their birthday wishes in commemoration of Aaliyah.
“Rip baby girl u would have been killing the game in 2k19 💯,” one fan wrote.
Another commented, “This was dope of you Keysh for posting dis. Happy Birthday Aaliyah my artist u will always be remembered forever ❤️🙏🏾💕 #RIP #SURVIVINGAALIYAH #godbless #40.”
Cole joins a chain of celebrities who took the time to remember Aaliyah on Wednesday, including legendary singer Sade, who shares the same birthday as the late musician.
“AALIYAH ‘S 40 TH BIRTHDAY,” the Nigerian-born artist posted on her social media with photo of Aaliyah attached. “Aaliyah would have been celebrating her 40 TH BIRTHDAY happy birthday princess 🙏 rest in peace 🙏 #rip #aaliyah #birthday 💔.” Sade reached her 60th birthday the same day.
Grammy Award-winning artist Timbaland, who produced several of Aaliyah’s hit records, including songs “One In a Million,” “Are You That Somebody?” “Try Again,” “More Than a Woman,” and many more, also shared a sweet birthday post that read, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY Angel ❤️.”
@timbaland Instagram
Aaliyah died in August 2001 in a plane crash after shooting her video for sthe ong “Rock the Boat” in the Bahamas. She and eight others were en route to Miami, Florida. ABC news reported that the singer’s plane was dangerously overloaded from the weight of equipment and passengers. Investigators said the cause of the accident was from engine failure.
Aaliyah was a multi-platinum-selling artist who earned Grammy nominations for her hits “Are You That Somebody” and “Try Again.” She was wrapping up her part in the 2001 film “Queen of the Damned” when she died.
