Yes, this device is a wonderful achievement and I believe that as time goes on we will make even further great advances in technological communications for those who have lost the biological means.
I like your idea of harvesting a deceased rock singer's voicebox. Knowing the generally foolish things that have emerged from those voiceboxes in their original owners, having one in your possession would be a substantial improvement in the quality and sanity of its output. :-)
Sorry about your friend. Fortunately most fields of medicine are still advancing despite the dark COVID cloud of fear most physicians are having to endure these days. During my last visit to the VA I saw a bionic arm fella and a deaf kid able to hear through a brain implant system. What was improbable science fiction when we were children is now becoming commonplace. Amazing.