As the music and entertainment industry at large continues to mourn the death of Grammy-winning songwriter/producer LaShawn Daniels, his wife April Daniels is opening up about her grief.
On Instagram Saturday, April posted an undated black-and-white video of her hitmaking late husband belting out Edwin Hawkins’ 1988 gospel tune “God Will Take Care Of You.”
“’God Will Take Care Of You’ I hear you baby. I miss this man so very much💔💔💔💔💔💔,” April captioned the footage, accompanied by several breaking heart emoji.
Many of April’s celebrity pals poured out with messages of encouragement and condolences for her.
“Thank you.. Keep sharing him April. Spread his love around. Love you sis. We are here for you…,” actress Tichina Arnold said.
“The Real Housewives of Atlanta” star Nene Leakes left several prayer hands emoji, while actress Tasha Smith left heart emoji.
“Sending nothing but love and prayers to you and your family ❤️” wrote “Basketball Wives” star Shaunie O’Neal.
It’s the first time April has opened up about her personal grief since her husband’s life was claimed by a car accident in Catawba, South Carolina, Tuesday.
April initially released a statement requesting privacy for her and her three sons, noting her husband was “a man of extraordinary faith and a pillar in our family.” By Friday, April expressed appreciation for the love and support she received from people around the world but noted funeral services for the man responsible for hits by Ciara, Tamar Braxton, and Whitney Houston, will not be open to the public.
“We know there have been so many people who have felt LaShawn’s impact, and want to share in remembering him, but out of respect for our family, LaShawn’s memorial service is Private and by the family’s invitation only. This is a solemn time for our immediate family and we wish to keep it personal,” read the notice on April’s Instagram page.
“To ensure the privacy and sensitive nature of the occasion, no media will be in attendance and only invited guests will be included on a list managed by trusted individuals,” the memo concluded.
April and LaShawn’s relationship was documented on Braxton’s reality series’ “Tamar & Vince” and “Braxton Family Values.” In 2012, the couple explained the evolution of their 18-year marriage.
“I think the most enjoyable aspect [of doing ‘Tamar & Vince’] has been letting people into the real of marriage,” LaShawn explained. “In marriages, you have ups and downs and everything isn’t a bed of roses all day, every day. … I think it’s enjoyable just letting everybody see that marriage is a work in progress, and as long as you love who you’re with that work is nothing.”
“We still have our struggles but for the most part, we don’t go to that extent anymore and we know that with ‘Tamar and Vince’ that’ll be something they can give back to the next couple that comes after them,” added April.
