The son of Atlanta radio host Rickey Smiley, Brandon Smiley, died at the age of 32, as confirmed by Rickey in a Facebook video on Sunday. The cause of death was not specified. Rickey was on his way to Birmingham, Alabama, where he is from, at the time of the announcement.
My son #BrandonSmiley performing at the @StarDome 3 years ago: https://t.co/F6gmaJhWId pic.twitter.com/75YqvXfrEy
— Rickey Smiley (@RickeySmiley) January 30, 2023
Rickey requested prayers for himself, his son’s mother, and his family. He is a famous radio show host, known for hosting “The Rickey Smiley Morning Show,” which is the nation’s leading urban adult contemporary radio show. Brandon was a comedian and actor, and was featured in a Twitter post by his father from a performance at The StarDome in 2020.
Rickey is also a renowned standup comedian, as stated on his website. “The Rickey Smiley Morning Show” airs from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. EST from Monday to Friday and is live-streamed from their studio in downtown Atlanta. Many have expressed their condolences after the news of his son’s death. NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson and his wife Cookie have offered their prayers for Rickey and his family.
Rickey Smiley’s son Brandon passed away today. Cookie and I are praying for Rickey, Brandon’s mother Brenda, his siblings, his daughter and all of his loved ones. May God bless the family 🙏🏾
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 29, 2023
The Mayor of Birmingham stated that he was “devastated” to hear of the loss and that it is a time to support Rickey and his family.
I'm devastated to hear that my friend @RickeySmiley has lost his son Brandon.
Rickey has given so much to our city; this is the time when we need to give back to him. Join me in wrapping our arms around him & his family during this difficult time. We're praying for you, Rickey.
— Randall Woodfin (@randallwoodfin) January 29, 2023
Rickey Smiley posted a tweet with a photo of himself and his son, asking for prayers on Sunday afternoon.
Please pray for me and my family 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 https://t.co/vKTkcD02hd pic.twitter.com/K7MGOHBtAE
— Rickey Smiley (@RickeySmiley) January 29, 2023