Aaliyah’s family and Missy Elliott remember the late singer on her birthday

The late Aaliyah would have turned 43 on Sunday, and her family, along with close friend Missy Elliott, paid tribute to the Romeo Must Die star.

“To You Our Love Flowers From Above Candles From The World We Will See You Again Bask In The Day God Sent You We Will See You And Your Comrades Again Not Yet, Not Yet,” the family posted on her official Instagram page with a photo of a floral arrangement surrounded by candles set to an unreleased track of Aaliyah singing “Ave Maria.” “Mom, Dad, Ra, All Who Truly Loved You and Love You Still. Forever More.”

They also shared a photo of the three-time American Music Award winner with another message. “Happy Birthday, baby girl! Today, we celebrate your life, legacy, and beautiful soul. You brought so much light and passion to everyone you met and everything you did. You remain forever in our hearts and minds.”

Missy Elliott, who wrote several Aaliyah songs with Timbaland, including “One in a Million” and “Are You That Somebody?,” also remembered her close friend.

“Babygirl even though you are not here in physical form your SPIRIT still lives on! Your IMPACT is FOREVER! You are still (TIMELESS) Your work & STYLE still INFLUENCING a new generation,” Missy tweeted. “Happy BornDay Aaliyah You are Loved & missed by many. Love you.”

As previously reported, the Aaliyah posthumous Unstoppable album will be released later this month. “Poison” featuring The Weeknd, dropped on December 17. Drake, Ne-Yo, Snoop Dogg, and Future will also be featured on the album.

August 25, 2021 marked the 20th anniversary of Aaliyah’s death at the age of 22. She died in 2001 with eight other people in a plane crash after shooting the “Rock the Boat” video in the Bahamas.