Wiz Khalifa mourns sudden death of father Laurence W. Thomaz at 63

Rapper Wiz Khalifa announced the sudden passing of his father, Laurence W. Thomaz, sharing a heartfelt tribute on X. 

“Today my father decided not to wake up,” Khalifa wrote. “I will always love him, miss him and be grateful for the things he taught me. 

He went out like a true yogi, at peace and on his own time. I love you forever Laurence W. Thomaz.” Thomaz was 63.

Khalifa, 38, further reflected on his father’s life and the impact he had. “Seeing how many people love and respected him makes me happy, and I know he’s proud that he left a positive impact on this earth,” he posted. 

He recalled their last conversation, in which his father expressed pride in Khalifa’s recent movie work. “I promised him I would do more. LT Forever,” he added.

The artist also shared throwback photos on Instagram, including images of his father helping him onto a swing and childhood snapshots with his late sibling Dorien “Lala” Thomaz, who passed away in 2017. 

“You and La La are together again,” Khalifa wrote alongside a praying emoji.

Over the years, Khalifa has credited his father with jumpstarting his music career. In 2016, he explained that Thomaz’s decision to start a recording studio in Pittsburgh provided the young rapper with his first opportunity to pursue music. 

Khalifa also praised fatherhood as a defining purpose, sharing joy in raising his children, son Sebastian, 12, with ex-wife Amber Rose, and daughter Kaydance, 1, with girlfriend Aimee Aguilar.

Khalifa’s tribute underscores the deep bond he shared with his father and the lasting influence Thomaz had on his life and career.