Six years after Chadwick Boseman’s death, his Black Panther co-star Lupita Nyong’o has shared an emotional tribute to the actor.

Boseman, who became a global star for his groundbreaking portrayal of Marvel superhero King T’Challa, died from colon cancer at the age of 43. His family later revealed that he had privately been dealing with a Stage 3 diagnosis for four years while continuing to work on major projects.

During that period, Boseman collaborated with director Spike Lee on Da 5 Bloods, starred alongside Viola Davis in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and hosted Saturday Night Live.

Lupita Nyong’o remembers Chadwick Boseman

Nyong’o became close to Boseman while working with him on Black Panther. Marking the sixth anniversary of his death, the actor shared a tribute on Instagram, writing: “Hold on to those you love who love you back. Tell them you love them. Show them you love them. You’ll miss them when they’re gone.”

She also posted several photographs of herself with Boseman and other members of the Marvel cast, including Michael B Jordan.

Last year, Nyong’o watched a clip from Black Panther for the first time since Boseman’s death and was overcome with emotion. After taking a moment to compose herself, she said: “The grief is just the love. There’s no place to put it. I don’t run away from the tears or the grief. You just live with it.”

Chadwick Boseman’s final message for a sick child

Shortly before his death, Boseman worked with Black Panther executive producer Nate Moore on behalf of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants wishes to children with serious illnesses.

In an interview with PEOPLE, Moore recalled the heartbreaking final text message he received from Boseman. The message was sent during the Covid-19 lockdown, after the pair helped arrange a voice note from T’Challa and a package of toys for a young boy.

“It was during [Covid-19] lockdown, and we worked together to get a young boy a voice note from T’Challa, as well as a package of toys – no easy feat when we weren’t allowed to leave our homes or go to the office.”

“But Chad figured out how to make it work because he cared so intently, and in hindsight, so personally,”

Moore said Boseman’s final message referred to what they had done for the child:

“‘It broke me, man,’”

“‘But we need to do that for them. People deserve abundant life, special moments. They’ve been through hell battling disease. If we were able to ease their suffering and bring joy for a moment, and hopefully moments as he goes through the bags, then we made a difference in his life.’”

David Jonsson cast as the next Black Panther

Earlier this summer, it was announced that British actor David Jonsson would take on the role of Black Panther in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Jonsson is set to appear in the third solo Black Panther film as the son of Boseman’s King T’Challa. Ryan Coogler is returning to direct, with the movie scheduled to arrive in cinemas at Christmas 2028.

Following a strong reception in Hall H at San Diego Comic-Con, the Alien: Romulus star told the crowd: “I want to say thank you so much. Thank you, Ryan. Thank you, [Kevin Feige]. Thank you to this amazing family that I honour, [it’s] a privilege and blessing to join.”

“I don’t want to say too much because I want to let the screen do the talking, but believe me, the honour is entirely mine.”

Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige said Coogler cast Jonsson six months earlier after a “secret meeting” at a hotel.

“He called me afterwards and said, ‘He’s the guy. I felt it. I felt it in my soul. He’s a good man,’” revealed Feige, per Empire Magazine.