Rashida Jones, joined by her family, delivered an emotional tribute to her late father, legendary music producer Quincy Jones, during the 15th Annual Governor Awards held on November 17, 2024. The event, where Quincy was posthumously honored with an honorary Lifetime Achievement Oscar, marked a poignant moment for the Jones family, who had lost their patriarch just two weeks prior.
Rashida, 48, began her heartfelt speech by sharing with the audience how Quincy had been eagerly preparing for the ceremony before his death on November 3. “He really intended on being here,” Rashida said, visibly emotional. “He was so excited to attend tonight, and so many of his friends and family are here.”
As Rashida stood alongside her siblings—Martina, Quincy III, and Kenya—she revealed that Quincy had been working on a speech for the event. In a powerful tribute, she recited his words to the audience: “I share this award and tonight’s honor with all the amazing directors, legendary actors, and of course exceptional songwriters, composers, and musicians who I’ve formed dear friendships with over my seven decades in this business.”
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Quincy, who was widely known for his work with iconic figures like Steven Spielberg, Sydney Pollack, and Richard Brooks, reflected on his groundbreaking career. He spoke about his journey as a teenager in Seattle dreaming of composing for films, and the pride he felt in breaking barriers as one of the first people of color in the film composing world.
Rashida also touched on the emotional difficulty of attending the ceremony without Quincy. “It was a difficult decision for our family to be here tonight,” she admitted. However, the family was determined to honor his remarkable life and legacy. She encouraged the audience to remember Quincy by listening to his music, saying, “Hear how he infused love into every single second of music he made. That was his real legacy—love.”
In closing, Rashida shared a personal message from her father’s life philosophy: “Live every day like it’s your last, and one day you’ll be right.” She added, “And you did, Dad. You did. You lived the biggest, best, most beautiful life of love every single day you were here.”
The ceremony at the Governor Awards was the first public appearance for the Jones family since Quincy’s passing. A private funeral had been held for the family, with plans for a larger public ceremony to honor Quincy’s life and legacy in the near future. Quincy’s passing, at the age of 91, followed a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Quincy Jones’ life and contributions to music, film, and culture continue to inspire, and his posthumous award was a fitting tribute to a man who touched so many lives. Rashida’s heartfelt words served as a powerful reminder of Quincy’s enduring influence, both in the music industry and beyond.
