Jully Black, “Canada's Queen of R&B,” has just announced the passing of her nephew, Brandon.

The singer posted a beautiful collage of her nephew to Instagram, along with a long and touching message.

“I’ve been wanting to post this tribute for days now and couldn’t find the words to say... yeah me, the conversationalist, the talker, the entertainer and a prolific writer was at a loss for words,” she began.

“Brandon was THE cutest Baby, enthusiastic Child, outgoing Kid, courageous Teen and Ambitious young man not to mention loving human being one could know and be around,” Black continued. “I have such beautiful memories of him as [a] child but what I’m happiest about is being able to see him GO FOR HIS DREAMS and become a successful creative and shine in his passion for Fashion, Music, [photography], Youth Culture and more!”

“What I do love the most is no matter where we were or the time, space or platform I was always ‘Aunty Jully’ from 20 Yellowstone Street #Finch”.

“Brandon, thank you for encouraging me verbally and inspiring me through the steps you took to take new leaps with my Music and to not be afraid to do things independently. You were wise beyond your years and led a life that impacted so many positively forever.”

Brandon died just shy of his 20th birthday.

You can read Black’s full post below.