Legendary R&B singer Roberta Flack passed away at the age of 88: details about her life and death
24 february 2025 в 21:37
Roberta Flack was a strong figure in the R&B genre for decades. The renowned performer of the song «Killing Me Softly With His Song» passed away at the age of 88 in February 2025. Upon learning of her death, fans mourned the great loss and wondered if she died due to her health condition: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
The award-winning vocalist was from North Carolina but was discovered in a Washington nightclub where she sang. At the time, she was working as a teacher, balancing it with performances. When she became recognized in the 1970s, Roberta once told a journalist: «I consider myself a soul singer because I try to sing with all the feeling I have in my body and mind. A true spirit is someone who can take any song and overcome all the flaws, technique, and make you just listen».
After her death became known, Roberta’s representative provided the following statement to the media, noting that the late singer passed away at home, surrounded by loved ones: «We are shattered by the news that the magnificent Roberta Flack passed away this morning, February 24, 2025. She died peacefully, surrounded by her family. Roberta broke boundaries and set records. She was also a proud educator».
Learn more about Roberta’s health and her final years before her death below.
Roberta was a Grammy Award winner, known for her hits such as her version of «Killing Me Softly With His Song», - «The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face», - and «Feel Like Makin' Love», - all of which topped the Billboard charts.
In 2020, Roberta received a Grammy Award for achievements in R&B, particularly influencing the subgenre known as quiet storm. She declined to perform a speech at the time, and in 2022, she retired from performing due to health issues.
During a performance in 2018 at the Apollo Theater in New York, Roberta felt unwell and left the venue. It was later revealed that she had suffered a stroke a few years prior.
Approximately four years later, Roberta was diagnosed with ALS. ALS is a nervous system disease that affects a person’s ability to control their muscles. Over time, the condition worsens.
The official cause of Roberta’s death was not confirmed when she passed away in February 2025
The award-winning vocalist was from North Carolina but was discovered in a Washington nightclub where she sang. At the time, she was working as a teacher, balancing it with performances. When she became recognized in the 1970s, Roberta once told a journalist: «I consider myself a soul singer because I try to sing with all the feeling I have in my body and mind. A true spirit is someone who can take any song and overcome all the flaws, technique, and make you just listen».
After her death became known, Roberta’s representative provided the following statement to the media, noting that the late singer passed away at home, surrounded by loved ones: «We are shattered by the news that the magnificent Roberta Flack passed away this morning, February 24, 2025. She died peacefully, surrounded by her family. Roberta broke boundaries and set records. She was also a proud educator».
Learn more about Roberta’s health and her final years before her death below.
Roberta was a Grammy Award winner, known for her hits such as her version of «Killing Me Softly With His Song», - «The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face», - and «Feel Like Makin' Love», - all of which topped the Billboard charts.
In 2020, Roberta received a Grammy Award for achievements in R&B, particularly influencing the subgenre known as quiet storm. She declined to perform a speech at the time, and in 2022, she retired from performing due to health issues.
During a performance in 2018 at the Apollo Theater in New York, Roberta felt unwell and left the venue. It was later revealed that she had suffered a stroke a few years prior.
Approximately four years later, Roberta was diagnosed with ALS. ALS is a nervous system disease that affects a person’s ability to control their muscles. Over time, the condition worsens.
The official cause of Roberta’s death was not confirmed when she passed away in February 2025
© Puhova Marina
