Sufjan Stevens’ new album “Javelin” (released today on Asthmatic Kitty) has been dubbed a “breakup record” because of its themes of loss and pain. On Friday morning, Stevens authored and published a memorial to his late “beloved” boyfriend Evan Richardson, who died in April, making the subject matter quite evident.
“This album is dedicated to the light of my life, my beloved partner and best friend Evans Richardson,” Stevens wrote next to a photo of Richardson smiling. “He was a true treasure, full of life, love, laughter, curiosity, integrity, and joy.” He was one of those unique and wonderful individuals who come along just once in a lifetime—precious, faultless, and completely remarkable in every aspect.”
For the most part, Stevens has kept his personal life secret for the duration of his lengthy career, never fully addressing issues of his personal life or sexuality. He simply does this to inform the world about his creative judgments, as he did with this commitment.
“I know relationships can be very difficult sometimes, but it’s always worth it to put in the hard work and care for the ones you love, especially the beautiful ones, who are few and far between,” he writes at the bottom of the article. “If you happen to find that kind of love, hold it close, hold it tight, savor it, tend to it, and give it everything you’ve got, especially in times of trouble.”
Stevens also revealed his Guillain-Barré diagnosis earlier this year, a neurological illness in which the body’s immune system destroys a section of the peripheral nerve system. Stevens revealed in a long essay on Tumblr, his preferred social media channel, that he’s been out of the promotional cycle for “Javelin” because he’s been in the hospital undergoing “intense” physical treatment to recover control of his body.
In another Tumblr post on Oct. 5, Stevens announced that he was leaving the hospital and will “continue the work at home and in outpatient therapy.” “Thank you for reading my hospital blog. And thank you for all of your prayers and well wishes. Pray for the world’s peace. Take care. Take precautions. “Be your true self.”
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