Sufjan Stevens paid tribute to his late partner, Evans Richardson IV, in an emotional social media post Friday — in what appears to be the first time the Grammy-nominated musician has publicly addressed his sexuality.
The message came as Stevens announced the release of his 10th and most recent studio album.
“‘Javelin’ is out today,” the 48-year-old wrote. “This album is dedicated to the light of my life, my beloved partner and best friend Evans Richardson, who passed away in April.”
Richardson — who worked as the chief of staff at the Studio Museum in Harlem, and served as the chair of the American Alliance of Museums’ Accreditation Commission — died on April 30 at the age of 43, according to an online obituary.
Even though the pair had never publicly acknowledged their relationship, they attended the 2018 Academy Awards ceremony together, when Stevens performed his Oscar-nominated song “Mystery of Love” from the film “Call Me By Your Name.”
“[Richardson] was an absolute gem of a person, full of life, love, laughter, curiosity, integrity, and joy,” Stevens wrote Friday. “He was one of those rare and beautiful ones you find only once in a lifetime — precious, impeccable, and absolutely exceptional in every way.”
Late last month, Stevens shared on his website he had been diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare auto-immune disorder that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks its own nerves.
After spending two weeks in the hospital, the prolific multi-instrumentalist said he had been transferred to “acute rehab,” where he was undergoing “intensive physical therapy/occupational therapy” to get his body back in shape “and to learn to walk again.”
“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,” Stevens wrote Friday. “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,” he continued. “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.”
