Aaliyah's family and Missy Elliott remember the late singer on her birthday

By Ken Simmons

Aaliyah would have turned 43 on Sunday, and her family -- along with close friend Missy Elliott -- paid tribute to the late singer.

"To You Our Love Flowers From Above Candles From The World We Will See You Again Bask In The Day God Sent You We Will See You And Your Comrades Again Not Yet, Not Yet," the family posted on her official Instagram page with a photo of a floral arrangement surrounded by candles set to an unreleased track of Aaliyah singing "Ave Maria."

The post was signed by Aaliyah's mom, dad, brother Rashad and "All Who Truly Loved You and Love You Still. Forever More."

They also shared a post dedicated to the five-time Grammy nominee with another message. "Happy Birthday, baby girl! Today, we celebrate your life, legacy, and beautiful soul. You brought so much light and passion to everyone you met and everything you did. You remain forever in our hearts and minds."

Missy Elliott, who wrote several Aaliyah songs with Timbaland for Aaliyah's second album, "One in a Million," also remembered her close friend.

"Babygirl even though you are not here in physical form your SPIRIT still lives on! Your IMPACT is FOREVER! You are still (TIMELESS) Your work & STYLE still INFLUENCING a new generation," Elliott tweeted. "Happy BornDay Aaliyah You are Loved & missed by many. Love you."

Aaliyah's posthumous album, "Unstoppable," is set for release later this month. The first single off the album, "Poison," featuring The Weeknd, dropped on Dec. 17.

The 20th anniversary of Aaliyah's tragic death at the age of 22 was observed on Aug. 25, 2021. She died in 2001 with eight other people in a plane crash after shooting the "Rock the Boat" video in the Bahamas.