Wiz Khalifa has announced the sudden death of his father, Laurence W. Thomaz, at age 63

14 February 2026

Wiz Khalifa announced the death of his dad on X on Friday. Getty Images for Taylor Gang Entertainment

Rapper Wiz Khalifa has revealed that his father, Laurence W. Thomaz, died suddenly at the age of 63, leaving him and his family in deep grief and prompting an outpouring of support from fans and fellow artists around the world. The artist, whose real name is Cameron Jibril Thomaz, took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share the heartbreaking news on February 13, 2026, writing that his father “decided not to wake up” and describing him as having passed peacefully and “like a true yogi,” at peace and on his own terms. In a follow-up message, Khalifa reflected on the profound influence his father had on his life, both personally and professionally, and expressed gratitude for the love and respect shown by so many during this difficult time.

In his tribute, Wiz Khalifa recalled the last conversation he had with his father, in which Laurence told him how proud he was of the rapper’s recent work, particularly his role in the upcoming crime drama Moses the Black. Khalifa wrote that he had promised to continue pursuing his craft, a commitment he now carries forward as a tribute to his father’s enduring support. He thanked fans for their kind words, saying they had brought him comfort during a time of profound loss and that seeing how many people loved and respected his dad made him happy because “literally all he ever wanted” was to leave a positive impact on the world.

Alongside his written words, Khalifa shared a series of throwback photos on Instagram Stories that chronicled cherished moments with his father. One image showed a young Khalifa being pushed on a swing, symbolizing the playful bond between father and son, while another depicted Laurence alongside his children, including Wiz and his late sibling Dorien “Lala” Thomaz, who passed away in 2017. In commenting on the photo with his brother, Khalifa tenderly wrote “You and La La are together again,” offering fans a glimpse into the depth of his emotions and the personal resonance of this loss.

Laurence Thomaz played an important role in shaping Wiz Khalifa’s early life and musical journey, having raised his son in Pittsburgh after his parents’ divorce and nurturing his creative spirit from a young age. Khalifa has previously spoken about how his father helped ignite his passion for music by opening a recording studio in their hometown, where he spent much of his childhood honing his craft and discovering the power of hip-hop. This formative environment laid the foundation for Khalifa’s rise in the music industry, a trajectory that saw him achieve global success with hits like Black and Yellow and See You Again and garner a devoted fan base around the world.

Wiz Khalifa’s reflections on fatherhood have evolved over the years, not only because of his own experiences as a parent but also because of his deep bond with his father. Khalifa shares a 12-year-old son, Sebastian, with ex-wife Amber Rose, and a daughter, Kaydence, with his girlfriend Aimee Aguilar, born in July 2024. He has spoken candidly in past interviews about how becoming a father reshaped his perspective on life and purpose, reinforcing his appreciation for the role his own father played in his upbringing and shaping what he hopes to pass on to his children.

The suddenness of Laurence’s passing has also resonated with many who have followed Khalifa’s career and personal journey. In sharing the news publicly, the rapper invited fans not only to mourn with him but to reflect on the irreplaceable role that fathers and parental figures can play in the lives of their children, particularly in creative and demanding fields like entertainment. Khalifa’s open expression of grief and gratitude has drawn an outpouring of condolences from fellow artists, industry peers and admirers, many of whom noted the genuine warmth and vulnerability in his tribute.

For Khalifa, the days since his father’s passing have been a blend of mourning, remembrance and recommitment to his work and family. In his posts, he emphasized how much it meant to see others’ affection for his father, acknowledging the support as a source of solace during a time when he and his family are processing profound loss. The sense of community that has rallied around him reflects the deep affection his fans have long held for both the artist and the man who helped shape his early years.

The news has prompted reflection on Khalifa’s enduring influence in music and culture, where his contributions as a musician, performer and now actor have spanned nearly two decades. As he continues toward future projects including his film work his father’s legacy remains a guiding force, one that continues to echo through his art, his values and the love he shared with his family.