In Loving Memory of Quincy Jones

A sad morning for GLOBAL and the world.

This morning, we woke up to shocking and very sad news that our dear friend, mentor, supporter and champion, music legend Quincy Jones has passed away. Our hearts ache for his family and his loved ones. Quincy lived an enormous life and gave back to this world with all his heart. How lucky were we as a family and as the Down syndrome community to be on the receiving end of that love?

Quincy is iconic for his unparalleled talent – 28 Grammys and 80 nominations, collaborations with the likes of Frank Sinatra and producing legends such as Michael Jackson. But to my family and to our Down syndrome community he was equally known for his love for Sophia and all our children with Down syndrome who he often spoke about with conviction: “These children aren’t broken, they just need a leg up, the chance to reach their God-given potential.”

Quincy brought magic to GLOBAL and our Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show. Each year we give our highest honor, the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award, and he introduced us to our first recipient – GLOBAL Ambassador DeOndra Dixon and her family, including big brother Jamie Foxx. This year will be bittersweet when we bestow the award upon Woody Harrelson and Sofia Sanchez.

My dear Dad who himself is 88 is heartbroken but in the end, we know he lived a wonderful life, has the most amazing children and friends, and will be forever loved and remembered.

Please join us in sending loving thoughts and prayers for Quincy and for his family.