Sufjan Stevens Comes Out, Dedicates New Album to Late Partner Evans Richardson IV

Sufjan Stevens has come out and dedicated his new album to the "light" of his life in the same breath.

As reported by Pitchfork, Stevens penned a personal message on Tumblr in light of his new album "Javelin" and said the work was inspired by his late partner, Evans Richardson IV, who according to the singer died in April at the age of 43.

"He was an absolute gem of a person, full of life, love, laughter, curiosity, integrity, and joy," Stevens wrote. "He was one of those rare and beautiful ones you find only once in a lifetime–precious, impeccable, and absolutely exceptional in every way."

Richardson served as the chief of staff at the Studio Museum in Harlem, New York. He was also chair of the American Alliance of Museums' Accreditation Commission. He famously attended the Academy Awards in 2018 with Stevens there to perform his Oscar-nominated song "Mystery of Love" at the Hollywood ceremony.

Stevens himself has been battling his own health issues, revealing last month that he has been undergoing treatments for Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Read Stevens' complete note below:

JAVELIN is out today. Thank you for listening. I love you.

This album is dedicated to the light of my life, my beloved partner and best friend Evans Richardson, who passed away in April. He was an absolute gem of a person, full of life, love, laughter, curiosity, integrity, and joy. He was one of those rare and beautiful ones you find only once in a lifetime–precious, impeccable, and absolutely exceptional in every way.

I know relationships can be very difficult sometimes, but it's always worth it to put in the hard work and care for the ones you love, especially the beautiful ones, who are few and far between. If you happen to find that kind of love, hold it close, hold it tight, savor it, tend to it, and give it everything you've got, especially in times of trouble. Be kind, be strong, be patient, be forgiving, be vigorous, be wise, and be yourself. Live every day as if it is your last, with fullness and grace, with reverence and love, with gratitude and joy. This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Thank you. I love you. XOS