Kamala Harris Remembers Her Friend Quincy Jones As a ‘Trailblazer’ & ‘Role Model’

Kamala Harris took a moment Monday (Nov. 4) during one of the busiest weeks of her life to honor Quincy Jones following the 91-year-old musical legend’s death the day prior.

Sharing a photo of herself sitting with Jones on a couch at a house gathering — the duo deep in conversation with the famed producer’s arm around her shoulder — the 2024 presidential candidate wrote on Instagram, “Quincy Jones was a trailblazer.”

“As a composer, arranger, record and movie producer, he created art that brought joy to millions of people,” Harris continued. “As an activist, Quincy championed civil and human rights. As a role model, he offered inspiration and mentorship, in particular for young people of color in the music industry.”

“I was honored to call Quincy a friend, and I will always remember his generosity of spirit, his selfless support, and his deep kindness,” she added. “Doug [Emhoff] and I are praying for the Jones family and all those who loved him.”

Harris posted her tribute on the same day Jones’ publicist, Arnold Robinson, confirmed that the 28-time Grammy winner died Sunday night (Nov. 3) surrounded by loved ones at his home in Los Angeles. “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,” read a recent statement from his family, which includes daughter Rashida Jones and six other children.

“He is truly one of a kind and we will miss him dearly; we take comfort and immense pride in knowing that the love and joy, that were the essence of his being, was shared with the world through all that he created,” it continued. “Through his music and his boundless love, Quincy Jones’ heart will beat for eternity.”

The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer’s passing preceded Election Day (Nov. 5) by just two days, an event that will determine whether Harris’ whirlwind White House bid was successful. The VP is running against twice-impeached ex-POTUS Donald Trump, whom Jones once called a “crazy motherf–ker” in a 2018 interview with Vulture that has newly been making rounds online in light of the news of the musician’s death and the election.

“I used to hang out with [Trump],” Jones continued in the interview, in which he also claimed to have previously dated Ivanka Trump. “Limited mentally – a megalomaniac, narcissistic. I can’t stand him.”

Harris is just one of many public figures to honor Jones in the wake of his death, with Elton John, Dr. Dre, Jon Batiste, LL Cool J, David Guetta, Victoria Monét and many others sharing posts over the past 24 hours. “A legend, a titan, a mentor,” wrote Mariah Carey in a message on Instagram. “You’ve given the world, and me, so many life defining moments that will be forever cherished. Rest in Power, sir Quincy Jones.”

“I find myself with a heavy heart today,” added Justin Timberlake on the social media site. “We lost someone so special. But, I also consider myself so fortunate to be here while he was and to experience his essence, dedication, and mastery.”