When you hear that gravelly, powerhouse baritone, you just know it's him. Eddie Levert Sr. is one of those voices that doesn't just sit on a track; it grabs you by the collar and tells you a story. But lately, the internet has been doing what it does best—churning out rumors and making people second-guess the health of their favorite icons.
Is Eddie Levert still alive? Yes, he is.
Honestly, the man is a force of nature. As of early 2026, the legendary lead singer of The O’Jays is not only alive but still actively engaging with his craft. At 83 years old, he’s outlived many of his peers and, heartbreakingly, several of his own children. Yet, he remains one of the final pillars of the classic soul era.
The State of Eddie Levert in 2026
If you're looking for him, don't check the retirement homes. Check the tour schedules. Just recently, dates surfaced for a "Mother's Day Celebration" in May 2026, with stops in cities like Baltimore and Philadelphia. He’s shared the bill with powerhouse gospel and R&B acts like John P. Kee and Anthony Brown.
It’s true that his pace has changed. You might see him take a seat during a portion of his set these days. People get worried when they see a legend sitting down, but let’s be real—the man has been touring since 1958. If he wants to sing "Casanova" or "Love Train" from a stool, he’s earned that right ten times over.
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There was some chatter online in early January 2026 about him having trouble breathing or being "sick." These types of headlines usually come from "clickbaity" video channels that thrive on tragedy. While he has dealt with health hurdles in the past, including some lingering effects from a COVID-19 bout a couple of years ago, his team and recent public interviews confirm he’s still here and still working.
A Legacy Written in Resilience
You can’t talk about Eddie being alive without talking about the sheer weight he carries. It’s heavy.
Most fans know the tragedy of his sons, Gerald and Sean Levert, who passed away in 2006 and 2008. But the hits kept coming. In late 2024, his 22-year-old daughter, Ryan, passed away after a battle with lupus. To lose three children is a level of grief most of us can’t even fathom.
People often ask how he’s still standing, let alone singing. In a 2025 interview with Nnamdi Okoye on Halftime Chat, Eddie was pretty blunt about it. He basically said that music is his therapy. It’s how he processes the pain. He’s not just "alive" in the sense of breathing; he's alive in his purpose.
Why the Rumors Keep Flying
Why does the internet keep trying to bury him? A few reasons:
- The Farewell Tour: The O’Jays embarked on a "Last Stop" farewell tour a while back. When a group says they’re retiring from the road, the rumor mill assumes they’re retiring from life.
- Social Media Hoaxes: There was a massive scare in 2023 where even other celebrities started posting "RIP" messages. It took news veterans like Roland Martin calling Eddie’s wife directly to shut it down.
- His Age: We live in an era where we lose icons weekly. People see "83" and "Eddie Levert" in a headline and their minds go to the worst-case scenario.
What He’s Doing Now
Eddie hasn't stayed stagnant. He’s been working on new solo material and continues to protect the O’Jays' legacy. He’s also been vocal about political and social issues. Late in 2025, he had to clear the air about rumors regarding a performance at Mar-a-Lago, making it very clear on his Facebook page that he has the right to refuse any gig that doesn't align with his values or his price tag.
He’s still the same Eddie—unfiltered, sharp-tongued, and fiercely protective of his dignity.
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How to Support the Legend Today
If you want to celebrate the fact that we still have this man with us, don't just Google his health status. Engage with the work.
- Check official ticket outlets: Look for the 2026 Mother’s Day tour dates if you’re on the East Coast. Seeing him live is a bucket-list experience.
- Stream the solo catalog: Everyone knows the O’Jays hits, but his solo album I Still Have You is a masterclass in emotional delivery.
- Ignore the "Death Tube" channels: If a headline says "Tragic Ending" or "The O'Jays Cry," and it's from a random YouTube channel with a robot voice, it’s almost certainly fake. Stick to reputable news outlets or Eddie’s verified social media.
Eddie Levert is a survivor. He’s a man who has seen the mountaintop of the charts and the deepest valleys of personal loss. As of right now, the Love Train is still moving, and the conductor is still very much in charge.
Actionable Insight: To get the most accurate updates on Eddie Levert's schedule and health, follow his official Facebook page or check Ticketmaster for 2026 tour routing. Avoid clicking on sensationalized YouTube "tribute" videos, which often use misleading thumbnails to generate ad revenue from false death reports.