Wiz Khalifa Shares Heartbreaking News About His Father’s Death

Wiz Khalifa has had a long and successful career in hip-hop, much of which he attributes to the support of his father, Laurence W. Thomaz. Sadly, today (Friday, February 13), the rapper took to Twitter to announce that his father has passed away, sharing a heartfelt tribute to him for all the guidance and love he gave throughout his life.

"Today my father decided not to wake up," Wiz wrote. "I will always love him, miss him and be grateful for the things he taught me. He went out like a true yogi, at peace and on his own time. I love you forever Laurence W. Thomaz."

Fans flooded the replies with their condolences, prayers, and well-wishes for Wiz and his family. Wiz’s father had previously spoken about how his son’s journey into fatherhood helped him mature as a person, as noted by The Father Hood.

"Sebastian’s [Wiz's son with his ex-wife Amber Rose] matured him. But it’s made him more serious and understand: ‘I have to be here. I can’t do the dangerous, reckless things I was doing before: I have this little guy to look out for,’" Laurence W. Thomaz shared.

For those who aren’t familiar, Wiz Khalifa’s father, Laurence W. Thomaz, served in the Air Force along with his then-wife, Wiz’s mother Peachie Wimbush. The couple divorced when Wiz was about two years old, and he spent much of his early childhood moving around with them during their military service. Eventually, Wiz settled in Pittsburgh, where he pursued a career in rap, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Wiz Khalifa has spoken about his parents’ divorce in the past, particularly in relation to his own separation and coparenting situation with Amber Rose. "We're such a good unit for him that I didn't see growing up," he said during an appearance on Drink Champs in 2023. "My parents, they weren't able to function, her parents as well. I think just that generation of dysfunction, there was no come-together. [...] My parents were divorced since I was 2, and I had both of them in my life. Love my mother, love my dad, but they can't be in the same room together, and that's not good for a kid. And it's not their fault because they probably didn’t grow up seeing the best functioning anything."

Rest in peace, Laurence W. Thomaz.