Sufjan Stevens dedicates new album“ Javelin” to his late partner Evans Richardson: 'He was an absolute gem'

Sufjan Stevens has dedicated his new album, Javelin, to his late partner Evans Richardson, who died earlier this year.

The singer-songwriter has rarely spoken about his personal life, but in a new social media post, he opened up about his relationship with Richardson, calling him "my beloved partner and best friend." Richardson was the chief of staff at the Studio Museum in Harlem in New York and 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," Sufjans 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."

Evans Richardson Sufjan Stevens

The 48-year-old singer continued, "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."

Stevens recently revealed that he was diagnosed with the rare autoimmune disorder Guillain-Barre syndrome, which left him hospitalized and unable to walk. Guillain-Barre is a rare disorder that targets the nerves and causes extreme muscle weakness and paralysis, and Stevens has been sharing social media posts from rehab as he recovers and relearns how to walk.

Stevens has historically been private about his relationships and sexuality.

He rose to prominence with the acclaimed 2005 album, Illinois, which was recently adapted into a stage musical, and he was nominated for an Oscar for his song "Mystery of Love" from 2017's Call Me by Your Name.

Javelin is out today.

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