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How did Beyonce's Uncle Johnny die? Singer thanks uncle who inspired 'Renaissance' in Grammys speech

'I'd like to thank my Uncle Johnny, who's not here, but he's here in spirit,' Beyonce said in her Grammys' acceptance speech

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Beyonce has broken the record for the most Grammy wins in history on Sunday, February 5, when she won the Best Dance/Electronic Album award for her album, 'Renaissance'. The singer's Uncle Johnny played a significant role in the album, and she paid tribute to him in her acceptance speech, making it a historic occasion for both the singer and the award show.

Beyonce received the title of the most Grammy victories after taking home awards for Best Traditional R&B Performance, Best Dance/Electronic Recording and Best R&B Song during the ceremony. She honored the queer community, which greatly influenced 'Renaissance', as well as her late Uncle Johnny in her acceptance speech. She reportedly said, "Thank you so much. I'm trying not to be too emotional, and I'm trying to just receive this night. I wanna thank God for protecting me... thank you God. I'd like to thank my Uncle Johnny, who's not here, but he's here in spirit." She proceeded by thanking her three children, husband and parents, and said, "I'd like to thank my parents, my father, my mother, for loving me and pushing me. I'd like to thank my beautiful husband, my beautiful three children who are at home watching."

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Finally, Beyonce addressed the LGBTQIA+ community, saying, "I'd like to thank the queer community for your love, and for inventing the genre. God bless you. Thank you so much to the Grammys, thank you." This was a historic night for the 'Black Parade' singer, as she now owns the title of the Grammy's most-decorated artist of all time, with 32 golden gramophones in her kitty. 

Aside from the record winning big, there has been some examination into the life of the primary inspiration for the album Renaissance. Beyonce and her sister, Solange Knowles, were constantly around Uncle Johnny, who had a profound impact on their lives as they were growing up.

How did Uncle Johnny die?

Uncle Johnny, whom Beyonce's mother, Tina, referred to as her nephew, wasn't the 'Cuff It' singer's real uncle, but he was very important to her and the rest of the family. Johnny eventually died from complications related to HIV, which had greatly affected the singer.

In her GLAAD Media Awards speech, Beyonce spoke about Uncle Johnny's fight with HIV. She said, "He lived his truth. He was brave and unapologetic during a time when this country wasn't as accepting. And witnessing his battle with HIV was one of the most painful experiences I've ever lived. I'm hopeful that his struggle helped to open pathways for other young people to live more freely. LGBTQIA rights are human rights." 

'Beyoncé thanking her uncle Johnny oh I'm crying with her speech'

Beyonce's 2023 Grammys speech drew the reactions of many of her admirers, one of whom wrote, "Truly a legacy to cherish." Another fan wrote, "Congratulations Queen #Beyonce on your Multiple #Grammy Wins!! You have devoted your entire adult life to creating music that keeps your fans singing, dancing and begging for more. Rock On Super Star!!"

A third fan wrote, "She thanked her family and the Queer community so I guess if you don’t fit in that box- you should find a better way to be entertained." Another emotional fan wrote, "Beyonce thanking her uncle Johnny oh I'm crying with her speech."

Another fan, who was grateful that Beyonce had the opportunity to honour Uncle Johnny, wrote, "But truly, whether or not Renaissance wins Album of the Year (it better! it deserves!)... I'm still happy that Beyoncé was able to give her speech on air to honor her Uncle Johnny during the #Grammys tonight."

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