Sufjan Stevens dedicated new album Javelin to his late partner

Sufjan Stevens has said that his latest album, Javelin, released today, is dedicated to his late partner. Stevens shared a loving message to Evans Richardson in an Instagram update posted to coincide with the release of the album.

"This album is dedicated to the light of my life, my beloved partner and best friend Evans Richardson, who passed away in April," Stevens wrote. "He was an absolute gem of a person, full of life, love, laughter, curiosity, integrity, and joy. He was one of those rare and beautiful ones you find only once in a lifetime — precious, impeccable, and absolutely exceptional in every way."

He went on to add: "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."

Richardson was 43 at the time of his death and had worked as the chief of staff at Studio Museum in Harlem. In April Nico Muhly, a friend and collaborator of Stevens, shared the news of Richardson's death. "There are no words to express adequately the depth of our loss and our gratitude for his life," he wrote at the time.

The release of Javelin follows Stevens's recent Guillain-Barre Syndrome diagnosis. He is expected to make a full recovery and has kept fans updated with his progress as he receives medical care.