Jazmine Sullivan recently suffered a miscarriage. The loss comes during an already difficult period for the acclaimed vocalist, who has been navigating grief following her mother’s passing.
The 38-year-old singer, who has been in a relationship with producer Dave Watson since 2017, took to social media as she celebrated her birthday on Thursday, April 10, to thank her fans for their wishes, but also revealed that she should have given birth to a baby boy in February. Her heartfelt revelation resonated with many fans who have experienced similar losses, with pregnancy loss affecting many known pregnancies.
“Whew…thank yall for ur birthday wishes,” she wrote on Instagram. “Leading up to my birthday has been incredibly hard as I’ve been thinking abt my mother and missing her more than words can say.” The singer’s vulnerability in sharing her grief has been praised by mental health professionals who emphasize the importance of open conversations about loss.
“Also, I realized I woulda been holding my 2 month old son that I never got to meet.” Acknowledging pregnancy loss can be an important part of the grieving process, with many parents finding comfort in recognizing the significance of their anticipated child.
The “Bust Your Windows” hitmaker, whose mother Pam died in 2023 following a battle with breast cancer, decided to go for a massage that helped her “release some of the deep pain” she has felt for such a long time, and is still “grateful” that her fans still think about her. Therapeutic massage has been shown to help process emotional trauma, according to holistic health research.
“Yesterday I had a massage that helped to release some of the deep pain I’ve been holding in for a while,” Sullivan shared with her followers. Physical therapy and body-focused treatments are increasingly recognized as valuable components in grief recovery, especially when dealing with compound losses.
“So I’m grateful for that. I’m also grateful that so many of you think of me and take the time to write! It’s all so beautiful. Please continue to pray for me as I heal from life’s a– whooping.” Her request for prayers reflects the importance of community support during healing, with social connection significantly improving outcomes for those experiencing grief.
Just prior to her mother’s death, Sullivan admitted that she was still “learning” how to define love to herself as she tried to support her mom through the “hardest time” of her life. Her reflections on love during difficult times highlight the transformative nature of caregiving experiences, which often reshape how individuals understand relationships.
“I’m even learning what love is, even with my parents still at 35 with my mom, going through what she’s going through with her health and just watching my dad just love her and support her through the hardest time of her life, just watching them. This is what love is and it’s not complicated,” she told Complex magazine three years ago. Her observations show that witnessing caregiving can profoundly influence personal definitions of love.
“You want to be your best for someone so that they can be their best. It’s very simple, but it’s definitely something that I’m still learning about. I don’t know if there’s a perfect answer for what love is. You just constantly learn more about love, period, the longer you live.” Major life transitions often prompt such philosophical reflections about love and connection.
Sullivan, a multiple Grammy nominee and winner, has long been celebrated for her emotional authenticity both in her music and personal life. Her openness about her experiences has created a strong bond with fans, many of whom have expressed support during this challenging time.
Health advocates emphasize that miscarriage remains a somewhat taboo topic despite its prevalence, with many women suffering in silence. By sharing her story, Sullivan joins other public figures who have helped normalize conversations about pregnancy loss and maternal health.
Music industry colleagues have rallied around Sullivan, with several artists sending messages of support. Her willingness to be vulnerable about deeply personal experiences continues a tradition in R&B music of authentic emotional expression.
Sullivan’s career has spanned more than 15 years, with critically acclaimed albums that often explore themes of love, loss, and personal growth. Her ability to channel personal experiences into her art has earned her a devoted fanbase who appreciate her authenticity and emotional depth in an industry often criticized for superficiality.