Rashida Jones and her family have read Quincy Jones‘ speech that he had prepared prior to his death to accept his posthumous Oscar – see the speech below.
READ MORE: Quincy Jones, 1933-2024: mega-producer who broke boundaries with a twinkle in his eye
The legendary producer and composer died on November 3 at the age of 91 – his cause of death has since been confirmed as pancreatic cancer.
Prior to his death, Quincy was announced to receive an honorary Lifetime Achievement Oscar at the Governors Awards for his contributions to film music. According to his daughter Rashida, Quincy had been working on his speech at the time of his death.
Rashida Jones and Quincy Jones. Credit: Michael Kovac/WireImage
While accepting the honorary Oscar on behalf of Quincy, Rashida Jones read her late father’s speech before adding some words of her own. A portion of Quincy’s speech that Rashida emotionally read: “When I was a young film composer, you didn’t even see faces of color working in the studio commissaries. I’m so, so proud of the fact that my name and contributions can be included in that evolution.”
She continued, reading her father’s words: “I share this award and tonight’s honour with all the amazing directors, legendary actors, and of course exceptional songwriters, composers, and musicians who I’ve formed dear friendships with over my seven decades in this business, and know that I wouldn’t trade this night or those experiences for anything in the world. And that’s where his speech ends.”
Rashida Jones continued, sharing her own words on her father’s legacy, saying that while “it was a difficult decision for our family to be here tonight,” they wanted “to celebrate his beautiful life and career.”
“Our father passed away two weeks ago today. He was really excited to attend tonight, and a lot of his family are here,” Rashida said, accompanied by her siblings. “… And he really, really, really intended on being here with us tonight. And I want you to know that he is here, very much here.”
Throughout his storied career, Quincy Jones worked with countless artists including Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles and Michael Jackson among others, with whom he famously produced the iconic albums ‘Off The Wall’, ‘Thriller’ and ‘Bad’. ‘Thriller’ is still the biggest selling album of all time.
Quincy Jones, photographed in 1981. CREDIT: Bobby Holland/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Following the news of Jones’ death, Paul McCartney honoured his longtime friend, penning a lengthy tribute post on social media where he recalled being introduced to Jones via The Beatles‘ producer George Martin and his “very positive, loving spirit”.
Among the numerous people who have paid tribute to Jones include Nile Rodgers, Michael Caine, Will Smith and more. Current United States Vice President Kamala Harris also honoured Quincy Jones, calling him a “trailblazer” and acknowledged his contributions to “civil and human rights”.
Rashida Jones also paid tribute to her father in a lengthy post on social media. “He was a giant. An icon. A culture shifter. A genius,” she wrote. “All accurate descriptions of my father but his music (and ALL of his work) was a channel for his love. He WAS love. He made everyone he ever met feel loved and seen. That’s his legacy.”
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