Wiz Khalifa Mourns Sudden Death of His Father at 63

The rapper shared the news on X, saying his dad 'went out like a true yogi, at peace and on his own time'.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Rapper Wiz Khalifa announced the sudden death of his father, Laurence W. Thomaz, at the age of 63. Khalifa shared the news on X, formerly known as Twitter, saying his dad 'went out like a true yogi, at peace and on his own time.' The artist expressed his love and gratitude for his father, who he credited with jumpstarting his rap career by opening a recording studio during Khalifa's childhood.

Why it matters

Wiz Khalifa has been open about his close relationship with his father over the years, crediting him as a major influence on his music career. The sudden loss of a parent is always deeply felt, and Khalifa's public mourning sheds light on the human side of celebrity and the universal experience of grief.

The details

According to reports, Laurence W. Thomaz passed away on February 14, 2026. Khalifa, whose real name is Cameron Jibril Thomaz, took to X to share the news, writing that 'today my father decided not to wake up.' The rapper said his dad 'went out like a true yogi, at peace and on his own time,' and expressed his love and gratitude for the lessons his father taught him.

  • Laurence W. Thomaz passed away on February 14, 2026.

The players

Wiz Khalifa

An American rapper, singer, and songwriter who has been open about his close relationship with his father, Laurence W. Thomaz, who helped jumpstart Khalifa's music career.

Laurence W. Thomaz

Wiz Khalifa's father, who passed away suddenly at the age of 63. Thomaz was credited with opening a recording studio during Khalifa's childhood, which laid the foundation for the rapper's future career.

Dorien 'Lala' Thomaz

Wiz Khalifa's sibling, who passed away in 2017.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Wiz Khalifa (X)

“My father's passing was sudden but seeing how many people love and respected him makes happy and i know he's proud that he left a positive impact on this earth. Literally all he ever wanted.”

— Wiz Khalifa (X)

“The last conversation i had with my dad was him telling me how proud of me he was for the movie i was in and I promised him i would do more. LT Forever.”

— Wiz Khalifa (X)

The takeaway

Wiz Khalifa's public mourning of his father's sudden passing highlights the profound impact a parent can have on a child, even in adulthood. Thomaz's role in nurturing Khalifa's musical talents serves as a poignant reminder of the lasting influence parents can have, and the importance of cherishing those relationships while we can.