'A man after God’s own heart': Young Dolph remembered for generosity at celebration of life
MEMPHIS – Friends and loved ones remembered Young Dolph as a “king” who made an impact through his generosity and love at a celebration of life held Thursday for Adolph Thornton Jr.
In a ceremony at FedExForum filled with music, dancing and video tributes, Memphis mourned the loss of one of its most prominent musicians and community members.
“He had a heart of David, a man after God’s own heart, and I’ll say that until the day I die,” said Mia Jerdine, the rapper's life partner. “It's definitely painful to not have him in our lives. But one thing I know for sure for certain is that he is in our hearts. He's our guiding star. He's our guardian angel.”
Thornton, 36, was gunned down Nov. 17 when two suspects opened fire through the window of Makeda's Homemade Butter Cookies, where the star was buying baked goods. The investigation into his death is ongoing.
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People remembered how Thornton gave out turkeys in the community, how he always returned to Memphis no matter how high his stardom rose, how he purchased meals for people in need.
Video tributes from 2 Chainz, 8Ball and members of Three 6 Mafia warmed the crowd up for former Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton, who called the rapper's premature death heartbreaking, and said his contributions “to music and to mankind will live on and on and on.”
Herenton referenced rumors of conflict and personal vendettas that have swirled since Thornton’s death, saying, “He should not have to relinquish his life because of his talent.”
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Invoking the 1968 assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., Herenton bemoaned that Thornton’s death was yet another stain on the city, and closed out his remarks with a call to “build Memphis up, not tear it down.”
Other speakers included Allen Parks, Young Dolph’s manager, who described the artist as passionate, focused and authentic.
“Dolph, you are a titan amongst men, never wavering off the course you have set for yourself, always staying true to your roots, always being about taking care of your family, your city,” he said.
One of the most touching moments came when Thornton’s children spoke, standing beside their mother.
Adolph Thornton III, 7, known as Tre, leaned toward the microphone as the crowd cheered.
“My dad was the person who raised me, and he trained me to be a good man when I grow up,” he said. “Now that he is dead I’m going to make it up to the whole world and be the greatest person you will ever know.”
Aria, 4, spoke second: “My dad, I love him 'cause I know who he is and he’s the best dad I know. ... He’s still in my heart and I’ll keep thinking of him forever and ever and ever.”
Then, on three, Tre led a chant of “Long live Dolph.”
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