Singer Eddie Levert’s daughter Ryan dies at 22 from lupus

R&B legend Eddie Levert is mourning the loss of his 22-year-old daughter, Ryan Levert, who had lupus. The heartbreaking news was confirmed by his granddaughter Carlysia Levert in an Instagram post.  

“Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers for my family. please send extra love up for my papa and nana,” Carlysia wrote in her Instagram Story, as reported by *Essence.*  

Levert experienced another devastating loss in 2006 when his son Gerald passed away at the age of 40 due to an accidental overdose, according to *The Plain Dealer.* Two years later, his son Sean died at 39 after falling ill while in Cuyahoga County Jail. In a 2011 interview with *The Plain Dealer,* Eddie reflected on his grief.  

“I wish I could tell you that I had a sense of why, but I don’t,” he told *The Plain Dealer* at the time. “I still wonder: Was it something I did? Maybe that’s why I’ve made so many changes in my life, to better myself and try to be a better father, a better husband, a better friend. Maybe that’s the reason why: for me to come to a better place.”  

Despite enduring multiple losses, the O’Jays singer emphasized the importance of not letting the pain consume him.  

“I really miss them. It’s just hard,” he said. “But I can’t get caught up in the fact that it wasn’t supposed to be like this, because it happened.”  

Levert shared that his faith has been a source of strength during these difficult times.  

“My closeness with God has helped me a great deal,” he said. “I’m no holy roller by any means. But I believe. There are only two kinds of people in the world: the believer and the nonbeliever. I happen to be a believer.”