Actor Rashida Jones, the daughter of composer Quincy Jones, commemorated her late father on Thursday with a bounty of descriptors, calling him a giant, icon, culture shifter and genius.
But most importantly, in her opinion, “He WAS love.”
The “Parks and Recreation” and “Angie Tribeca” star, who along with her six siblings confirmed that the music producer died Sunday at 91, shared an anecdote about her famous father on Instagram. In it, she evoked what it was like growing up with the renowned hitmaker, who is credited with expanding the American songbook and shaping the careers of Frank Sinatra and Michael Jackson.
“My dad was nocturnal his whole adult life. He kept ‘jazz hours’ starting in high school and never looked back,” Jones wrote. “When I was little, I would wake up in the middle of the night to search for him. Undoubtedly, he would be somewhere in the house, composing (old school, with a pen and sheet music). He would never send me back to bed. He would smile and bring me into his arms while he continued to work…there was no safer place in the world for me.”
The “Black AF” star praised the sonic superstar while asserting that his music — and all of his work — was “a channel for his love.”
“He WAS love,” she wrote, sharing a tender picture of them from when she was a baby. “He made everyone he ever met feel loved and seen. That’s his legacy.”
The actor-director said she was fortunate enough to experience that love in close proximity: “I’ll miss his hugs and kisses and unconditional devotion and advice. Daddy, it is an honor to be your daughter. Your love lives forever.”
Jones’ famous friends flooded her comments section with words of support, including condolences from Kelly Rowland, John Legend and Justin Timberlake.
“Love you so much Rashida! Thinking of you and your family,” wrote “black-ish” star Tracee Ellis Ross, whose mother is Diana Ross. (The famed singer-actor paid tribute to Quincy Jones earlier this week, thanking him for his contribution to the soundtrack of her 1978 film “The Wiz” and writing, “His love and music touched our hearts and souls. His words and legacy will continue to inspire us all forever.”)
“I love you lady,” commented Oscar winner Natalie Portman.
“Beautiful words for a beautiful man from a beautiful daughter,” added actor-director Elizabeth Banks.
“So heartbroken. I love you so much,” added Gwyneth Paltrow.
“Such a loving tribute to your brilliant father,” Oscar winner Reese Witherspoon wrote. “I’m sure there is a beautiful jazz concert in Heaven right now.”
