Crews 
Monica was overcome with emotion this weekend while being honored at ESSENCE Festival of Culture.
The Grammy Award-winning singer was recognized as the ESSENCE Black Women in Music Luminary Award honoree during this year’s ESSENCE Festival in New Orleans, celebrating her three-decade career, influence, and lasting impact on R&B.
During her acceptance speech, Monica became emotional while reflecting on her faith, her journey, and the recent passing of her father, M.C. “Billy” Arnold Jr. The touching moment came just weeks after Monica publicly shared that her father had passed away.
In May, Monica confirmed her father’s passing in a heartfelt social media tribute, sharing photos and videos of their bond over the years. In that post, she expressed that although she was not prepared to let him go, she found comfort in knowing he was no longer in pain or suffering.
The emotional ESSENCE moment showed Monica still processing that loss while accepting flowers for a career that began when she was just a teenager. During her remarks, she also took time to thank Brandy and the Norwood family, acknowledging them for being family to her and showing love during such a meaningful moment in her career and personal life.
Monica was also joined on stage by her daughter, Laiyah, making the moment even more personal and full circle as she received the honor in front of fans, family, and peers.
The tribute comes as Monica continues to be celebrated as one of R&B’s most consistent and respected voices. With 30 years in the game, multiple chart-topping records, and a catalog that helped define ’90s and 2000s R&B, the ESSENCE honor served as another reminder of her impact — both as an artist and as a woman who has grown up in front of the world while remaining grounded in faith, family, and resilience.
Get into the heartfelt moment below.
Oh my God, I’m a MESS now!!! 🥺🥺🥺
Seeing her so emotional and vulnerable while speaking about her late dad just breaks my heart! I remember when she said that Brandy’s dad always showed her love even when Brandy and her wasn’t on the greatest of terms and you can see that… pic.twitter.com/bRI5TLdznT— Monica – Street Symphony (@StreetSymphonys) July 5, 2026
