Frank Ocean Pays Tribute to Virgil Abloh: ‘You’re a Hero’

In a message shared on Sunday night, Frank Ocean reflected on a number of key moments he shared with Virgil Abloh, including mention of his late brother.

November 29, 2021

frank ocean pays tribute virgil abloh — Image via Getty/David M. Benett/Dave Benett
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Frank Ocean has shared a touching message of reflection regarding the death of Virgil Abloh.

In an Instagram Story update on Sunday night, Frank said he and his family were proud of what Virgil had accomplished. The Blonde artist also mentioned his younger brother Ryan, who died last year in a car accident.

“When my brother passed I never said anything because it was way too much but he loved you and really looked up to you,” Frank wrote. “He was going to fashion school and everything. He wanted to be a designer. My fam was proud of you like you were our family. I know grief is love that you don’t get to express so this is an attempt at expressing it. Love you V. You’re a hero.”

See Frank’s full message in text form below:

Virgil Abloh died Sunday at the age of 41. In a statement shared to his Instagram account, it was revealed that he had been diagnosed with an aggressive and rare form of cancer in 2019. Marc Jacobs, Pharrell, Ben Baller, Cole Bennett, Kim Jones, and more mourned the death of the massively inspirational artist with reflections on the unique power present throughout his work.

In memory of his friend and frequent collaborator, Kanye West’s latest staging of his ongoing Sunday Service project was dedicated to the “loving memory of Virgil Abloh, the creative director of DONDA.”

Virgil—whose all-in approach to living the art life should prove to be a continued inspiration for future generations—is survived by his wife Shannon, children Lowe and Grey, sister Edwina, and parents Nee and Eunice Abloh.

Rest in power.