The Levert family, whose music has been the soundtrack to countless memories since the 1970s, faces another profound loss with the passing of Ryan Levert at age 22. The daughter of soul music pioneer Eddie Levert succumbed to complications from lupus, adding another chapter of heartbreak to a family that has shaped the soul music landscape for generations.
This loss resonates deeply within a community that grew up with the sounds of The O’Jays and LeVert. It marks the third time Eddie Levert has had to say goodbye to a child. The family first experienced tragedy with the loss of Gerald in 2006, followed by Sean in 2008 — both celebrated artists who carried forward their father’s musical legacy into the new millennium.
Living with lupus: A silent battle
Ryan’s battle with lupus highlights the ongoing challenges faced by many in our communities who live with chronic autoimmune conditions. Her participation in “The Levert Opinion” podcast alongside her father Eddie and nephew LeMicah showed her determination to maintain a public presence while managing her health challenges, embodying the resilience that has characterized her family’s approach to adversity.
The weight of legacy
For those who came of age during the peak of The O’Jays and LeVert, this loss carries particular weight. Eddie’s journey from chart-topping success with classics like “Back Stabbers” and “For the Love of Money” to navigating profound personal loss resonates with anyone who understands the complexity of balancing public success with private pain.
The elder Levert’s story parallels the biblical figure Job, a comparison he has drawn upon while processing these losses. His openness about grief and healing has provided a blueprint for processing pain while maintaining faith – a testament to the resilience that has characterized his public persona since the 1970s.
Moving forward with purpose
Despite facing losses that would buckle most individuals, Eddie continues to demonstrate the power of purpose and faith. His relationship with Ryan — shared with wife Raquel Capelton — represented new beginnings and hope. While he maintains connections with his other children, including daughter Kandice from his previous marriage to Martha Levert, Ryan’s presence in his life symbolized continuation and renewal.
The impact of Ryan’s passing extends beyond immediate family, touching everyone who has followed the Levert legacy through decades of soul-stirring music and cultural influence. Her brief life serves as a reminder of the importance of health awareness in our communities, particularly regarding conditions like lupus that often go undiagnosed or misunderstood.
As another chapter closes in the Levert family story, the community’s response demonstrates how deeply their music and presence have been woven into the fabric of American cultural life. Ryan’s passing, while tragically early, adds to a legacy built on the understanding that music, family and faith remain powerful forces for healing and connection across generations.
Through triumph and tragedy, the Levert family story continues to resonate with those who understand that greatness and grief often walk hand in hand, and that legacy is measured not just in platinum records, but in the lives touched and the memories created along the way.
