Marvin Gaye’s second wife, Janis Hunter Gaye, has died at the age of 66, her daughter Nona has confirmed. In a statement made to The Hollywood Reporter, Nona revealed that her mother had passed away on Saturday in her Rhode Island home, though she didn’t disclose the actual cause of death.
“From the time she met my father, she was exposed to the way he saw this world was aching, and she did her best to preserve his legacy as he was taken from us far too early,” Nona wrote in her statement. “She took every moment to speak about every word and every note of his music, and she wanted to make sure everyone knew the man she fell in love with.”
RIP JANIS GAYE !! I would not have the intimate understanding of not just one of my favorite artists but also about the dynamic of relationships in the industry. I loved your book after the dance and wish you peace on your journey pic.twitter.com/awQwWmuuBn
— Geechee Hippie ✊🏾🧘🏾♀️♋️ (@MochaMonaee) December 6, 2022
She was Marvin’s muse.. I honestly don’t think we wouldn’t have seen his creative evolution at the level we witnessed if they never met. Mysterious yet beautiful energy. She was the answer to the riddle and the recipe..Standing Ovation..Rest Peacefully Janis Gaye..🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
— A-Ski (@MrUnique74) December 7, 2022
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“I will never get to see her again in this life but know she’s in heaven with my father and a spokesperson for us in spirit.” Janis was only 17 when she first met the Motown legend at a Los Angeles studio in 1973 thanks to her mom, Barbara, who was friends with Marvin’s frequent collaborator and producer Ed Townsend. The two welcomed Nona the following year and would go on to have one more child — son Franke Gaye — in 1975.
Fans of Marvin’s music will be aware that his song “Jan” that’s featured on his 1976 album “I Want You” was actually written with Janis in mind — the track was practically dedicated to her after the two had settled down and started a family together.
But Janis wasn’t just the wife of one of the greatest soul singers of his time, she would occasionally provide background vocals on the “Sexual Healing” star’s hits, including 1977’S “Got To Give It Up.” The marriage itself only lasted four years between 1977 to 1981 — and while they definitely shared a lot of good times, the relationship became too much for Janis at certain points.
Rest in peace Janis Gaye. The inspiration behind my favourite Marvin Gaye record ‘I Want You’… I can only imagine what a formidable woman she was! 🙏🏾🕊️
— Oluwapelumi – God with me (@PelsOfWisdom) December 6, 2022
In her 2013 book, “After the Dance: My Life With Marvin Gaye,” Janis revealed how her then-husband had suggested she partake in an orgy with another couple after having smoked weed and snorted cocaine together. While he then opted not to participate in the act, he happily watched Janis during the sexual proceedings with the other couple they had just met.
“‘Oh, dear, please don’t deny it. You were an animal in heat. You couldn’t get enough. This was your dream come true,’” she quoted Marvin saying, to which she replied, “Not my dream, Marvin. Yours.”