The passing of Quincy Jones has left Oprah Winfrey reflecting on their deep bond and his profound impact on her life. In an emotional tribute shared on Instagram, she expressed her love for Jones, who passed away at the age of 91 on November 3.
Winfrey, 70, commemorated their relationship by posting a nostalgic photograph of them walking together with their arms around each other. She recalled how Jones was instrumental in her career, stating that he “discovered” her for her iconic role in the 1985 film The Color Purple. She noted, “My life changed forever for the better after meeting him.”
Winfrey describes Jones as a source of unconditional love and inspiration
Describing Jones as someone whose heart overflowed with love, she continued, “I had never experienced, nor have since, anyone whose heart was so filled with love.” She admired his ability to treat everyone he met as the most remarkable person in the world, stating that he “was the Light. No shadows.”
In her heartfelt message, Winfrey referred to Jones as “love lived out loud in human form” and emphasized that he was the first person she had ever loved unconditionally, a sentiment reflected in how they signed their notes to one another, “Unconditionally…”.
She shared a cherished memory, explaining that the favorite photo of them smiling was taken in 2001 at his Bel Air home during an interview about his remarkable career and life. Winfrey concluded her tribute by acknowledging Jones as “the Mightiest of Souls,” emphasizing that his legacy is one of love and the positive influence he had on countless lives.
During interviews and on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Jones, who served as a producer and scorer for Spielberg’s adaptation of The Color Purple, revealed that he was drawn to cast Winfrey after spotting her as a television news anchor in Chicago. Winfrey, a fan of the novel, eventually received an Oscar nomination for her performance as Sofia.
Whoopi Goldberg, who starred alongside Winfrey in The Color Purple, also shared her grief following Jones’ passing. The 68-year-old actress remarked, “I was lucky enough to have him in my life for all these years. My heart is breaking for his friends & his extended family who loved and adored him … my condolences.”
On The View on November 4, Goldberg expressed her sorrow, stating, “I can’t even explain what’s happening in my head right now.” She recalled the unwavering support Jones offered, saying, “I had no better friend — he never left, when other people were flocking away, Q stayed, and he always told me to stand my ground. I do and always will.”
For The Color Purple, Jones garnered three of his seven Oscar nominations for Best Picture, Original Song, and Score. In addition to receiving the Academy’s Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 1995, he is set to receive an honorary Oscar at the upcoming Governors Awards.
