Actress and filmmaker Rashida Jones shared memories of her “safe place” in a touching social media tribute to her late father, music icon Quincy Jones.
Rashida Jones honored her late father, Quincy Jones, with a heartfelt Instagram tribute, offering an intimate look at their close bond. Along with her message, she shared a photo of herself as a baby with her dad, who looked back at her gently.
Quincy and Rashida Jones attend the “Quincy” premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in Canada on September 9, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
The 43-year-old “The Office” star recalled that Quincy was “nocturnal his whole adult life,” keeping his “jazz hours” from high school onward.
“When I was little, I would wake up in the middle of the night to search for him. Undoubtedly, he would be somewhere in the house, composing (old school, with a pen and sheet music). He would never send me back to bed,” she shared.
Instead, Quincy would welcome her into his arms as he continued working, and Rashida added, “there was no safer place in the world for me.”
Rashida also described her father as “a giant, an icon, a culture shifter, a genius.” Yet, above all, she emphasized his most defining trait.
“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 [sic],” she said.
Quincy and Rashida Jones attend the “Celeste and Jesse Forever” dinner in Park City, Utah, on January 20, 2012 | Source: Getty Images
Rashida expressed gratitude for experiencing her father’s love up close, saying she would miss his hugs, kisses, unwavering devotion, and guidance. “Daddy, it is an honor to be your daughter. Your love lives forever,” she wrote.
Quincy’s death comes after Rashida’s mother, actress Peggy Lipton, known for her roles in “The Mod Squad” and “Twin Peaks,” passed away in 2019 at age 72 after a long battle with colon cancer.
Rashida’s tribute to her dad highlights her resilience through the loss of both parents and the love and values they instilled in her.
Quincy and Rashida Jones, with Peggy Lipton, at the “Keep On Keepin’ On” premiere in Los Angeles on September 17, 2014 | Source: Getty Images
Growing up with influential parents, Rashida has always been aware of her unique upbringing. In a 2016 interview on “The Off Camera Show,” she shared her parents’ “secret academic pursuit,” adding, “They read a ton; they’re super curious like they both [had] a big wish they went to college like in academic college.”
Quincy Jones and Peggy Lipton attend the Sixth Annual Fire & Ice Ball at Warner Brothers Studios in Burbank on October 17, 1996 | Source: Getty Images
She also described herself as her parents’ “genetic expression of all.” “I came out just like really into puzzles and reading and like sensible clothes and like I just was like a little adult from the very early age,” she explained.
“Personality-wise, I have tons of things that are like both of my parents the way I deal with the world,” she added.
Despite her Hollywood upbringing, Rashida shared with NPR in 2021 the contrasting backgrounds between her and her father. Unlike her, Quincy grew up on Chicago’s South Side under difficult circumstances.
“I think about it every day of my life, actually, because I think about circumstance and luck. So little of what our lives are have [sic] anything to do with what we did to get here, and I am constantly aware of the luck I’ve been afforded because of the country I was born [in], the parents I was born to, all these things I have absolutely no control over,” Rashida said.
Rashida observed her father’s resilience, noting how he built his success from humble beginnings through hard work and determination. She admired his ability to let go of anger, avoid grudges, and channel his energy into creating with love.
“And he just kept making things out of love. And it is how he learned how to survive,” Rashida shared.
Quincy died on November 3 at his Bel-Air home in Los Angeles, leaving behind seven children. In the days after, his grieving family honored him on social media.
His representative, Arnold Robinson, announced his death, though the cause remains undisclosed. The legendary composer was 91.
His family wrote a touching statement, “Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing. And although this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life that he lived and know there will never be another like him.”
Quincy Jones and his family, from a post dated September 15, 2023 | Source: Instagram/quincyjones
The family expressed admiration and gratitude, reflecting on Quincy’s unique legacy. They shared how his boundless love and joyful spirit defined him and resonated worldwide through his creative contributions.
This brings them comfort and pride in this time of loss. “Through his music and his boundless love, Quincy Jones’ heart will beat for eternity,” they added.
Quincy Jones and his family, from a post dated September 15, 2023 | Source: Instagram/quincyjones
In addition to the family’s statement, several of Quincy’s kids have paid tribute to him on social media. Along with Rashida, Quincy was a father to Jolie Jones Levine, Rachel Jones, Martina Jones, Quincy Jones III, Kidada Jones, and Kenya Kinski-Jones.
Jolie shared a tribute to her late father by reposting an Instagram story originally shared by composer Raphael Eligoulachvili on his Instagram stories. The story featured an embedded post from Quincy celebrating Jolie’s birthday.
Quincy Jones celebrates Jolie Jones Levine on her birthday from a post dated October 4, 2023 | Source: Instagram/quincyjones/
The nostalgic post showed a young Jolie seated at a piano with her father leaning over, guiding her as she played. Quincy’s message read, “Happiest of all birthdays to my 1st born baby, @jolieannejones! Love U always & forever honey. Here’s to all the b-e-a-utiful memories we’ve made & will continue to make together!…xxoo…ALL my ❤️[sic].”
In her repost, Jolie added a simple and touching message, “🙏 Quincy 🤍🕊️,” expressing her love for her late father.
Jolie Jones Levine pays tribute to Quincy Jones on her Instagram stories on November 4, 2024 | Source: Instagram/jolieannejones/
Quincy III, who is the legendary singer’s fourth child, also paid tribute to his father. He shared a heartfelt Instagram post with a photo of the two together, honoring his father’s memory following his passing. Quincy III captioned the post, ” 🤲🏾💜🤲🏾🕊️.”
Quincy III also reposted two posts on his Instagram stories. One was a video shared by Nicole Avant, showing Clarence Avant and Quincy sharing a playful moment of laughter as they reminisced. Clarence was a manager, entrepreneur, facilitator, and adviser, who helped launch and guide Quincy’s career.
Quincy Jones III reposts a tribute to Quincy Jones on his Instagram stories on November 4, 2024 | Source: Instagram/therealqd3/
Nicole, who is the daughter of the late Clarence, wrote an emotional tribute to accompany the post, “Best Friends. Soulmates. I just know Clarence greeted you with some ice cubes and a glass of Petrus 🥂🙏🏽”
Another post that Quincy III shared in his Instagram stories was from Culture Machine, a broadcasting and media production company. The post featured a video of Quincy passionately discussing the transcendent power of music.
Quincy Jones III reposts a tribute to Quincy Jones on his Instagram stories on November 4, 2024 | Source: Instagram/therealqd3/
Culture Machine captioned it, “Quincy Jones always understood that music transcends the senses — it’s a force that comes from the heavens and echoes through time. His melodies touched our souls and will continue to shape the rhythm of the universe. Rest in power, Quincy.”
Just as his kids have shown their adoration for their father, Quincy also always showered his children with love. He shared this sentiment right up until his passing. Just hours before he died, on November 2, he posted a heartfelt tribute to his daughter Martina on her birthday.
In the post, Quincy sat while a smiling Martina leaned over, capturing a tender moment between them. The joy and pride in Quincy’s eyes were unmistakable. He wrote, “Happy Birthday to my Tina Beena @martinafotos1!! 🎉. So proud to be yo papa! Big hug, I love you eternally 🫶🏾💜 [sic].”
As Rashida Jones’s family mourns, they find comfort in Quincy’s lasting impact, especially on his children. His music, fueled by love, continues to inspire future generations and keeps his legacy alive in the hearts of those he touched.
