Sufjan Stevens has dedicated his new album, Javelin, to his late partner, Evans Richardson IV, who died in April at the age of 43. “He was an absolute gem of a person, full of life, love, laughter, curiosity, integrity, and joy,” Stevens wrote of Richrdson on Tumblr. “He was one of those rare and beautiful ones you find only once in a lifetime—precious, impeccable, and absolutely exceptional in every way.” Find Stevens’ full note below.

Richardson was the chief of staff at the Studio Museum in Harlem, New York. He was also the chair of the American Alliance of Museums’ Accreditation Commission.

In 2018, Richardson attended the Academy Awards with Stevens when the musician performed his Oscar-nominated song “Mystery of Love” at the Hollywood ceremony.

Upon learning of Richardson’s death in the spring, Stevens’ collaborator Nico Muhly wrote on Instagram, “There are no words to express adequately the depth of our loss and our gratitude for his life.”

Stevens has used his Tumblr to share personal messages over the years, and he’s been particularly active on the platform in the lead-up to Javelin. He announced last month that he is undergoing intensive treatment for Guillain-Barré syndrome, and he’s shared regular updates on his status and progress as he lives with and receives care for the rare auto-immune disorder.

Sufjan Stevens Is at His Intimate and Uplifting Best on Javelin

Sufjan Stevens:

JAVELIN is out today. Thank you for listening. I love you.

This album is dedicated to the light of my life, my beloved partner and best friend Evans Richardson, who passed away in April. He was an absolute gem of a person, full of life, love, laughter, curiosity, integrity, and joy. He was one of those rare and beautiful ones you find only once in a lifetime—precious, impeccable, and absolutely exceptional in every way.

I know relationships can be very difficult sometimes, but it’s always worth it to put in the hard work and care for the ones you love, especially the beautiful ones, who are few and far between. If you happen to find that kind of love, hold it close, hold it tight, savor it, tend to it, and give it everything you’ve got, especially in times of trouble. Be kind, be strong, be patient, be forgiving, be vigorous, be wise, and be yourself. Live every day as if it is your last, with fullness and grace, with reverence and love, with gratitude and joy. This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Thank you. I love you.  XOS

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Javelin

Sufjan Stevens

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