Rashida Jones delivers late father Quincy Jones’ speech at 15th Annual Governors Awards: ‘He’s here, a lot’

On Sunday, Rashida Jones paid tribute to her father at the 15th annual Governors Awards.

The awards ceremony, hosted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, honored entertainment industry icons, including legendary record producer and composer Quincy Delight Jones, who died on November 3 at the age of 91.

Rashida took the stage with three of her six siblings: Martina, Quincy III and Kenya to simply accept her late father’s honor.

According to People Magazinethe “Sunny” actress began her speech by stating how excited Jones was to attend the ceremony before her death.

“Two weeks ago today, our father died. He was very excited to be here today, a lot of his family is here,” the actress began.

“And he really, really, really was going to be here with us tonight,” she continued, adding, “And I want you to know that he is here, very much here.”

Rashida said her father “worked on his speech” before his death and shared it “in his own words” with the audience.

In his acceptance speech, Quincy said he was “honored” to simply accept the award and that as a teenager growing up in Seattle, he spent hours in movie theaters dreaming of composing movies.

“I share this award and today’s honor with all the amazing directors, legendary actors and, of course, the extraordinary songwriters, composers and musicians with whom I have developed dear friendships over over seventy years in this industry and I know I would do it” I would not trade tonight or these experiences mean nothing else on the earth,” she said, reading her father’s words. “And that is where his speech ends.”

Rashida added that while it was a “difficult decision” for the family to attend Sunday’s ceremony, his children desired to “celebrate his beautiful life and career.”

She concluded by calling on the audience to honor her father’s memory by listening to his music on the way in which home from the event.

“Listen to how he poured love into every second of the music he created. This was his true legacy: love. He loved life and often said, “Live each day as if it were your last, and one day you will be right.” And you did it, dad. You did. Every day you were here, you lived the biggest, best and most beautiful life of love,” she said.

Diversity reported that Rashida’s remarks were followed by a moving rendition of a gospel song that Jones composed for the primary film adaptation of “The Color Purple”: “Maybe God’s Trying to Tell You Something.” The song was performed by Jennifer Hudson with a 12-piece choir.