R&B Legend Roberta Flack Passes Away at 88

The tragic news of R&B icon Roberta Flack’s passing was confirmed by her publicist in a statement on Monday morning with Billboard.

Roberta Flack, the iconic R&B singer best known for her hit song, “Killing Me Softly,” passed away on Monday morning at the age of 88. Her publicist confirmed the news in a statement. “We are heartbroken that the glorious Roberta Flack passed away this morning, February 24, 2025,” their message reads. “She died peacefully surrounded by her family. Roberta broke boundaries and records. She was also a proud educator.” While no official cause of death was made available, Flack had been battling with several health issues in recent years. In 2022, her team revealed that she had been battling with ALS. They explained at the time that the disease had “made it impossible to sing and not easy to speak.”

A Legacy of Timeless Music

Roberta Flack, best known for classics such as Killing Me Softly with His Song and The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, revolutionized the R&B and soul music landscape with her smooth, emotive delivery and poetic lyrics. Her impact on the industry spanned over five decades, earning her numerous Grammy Awards and a lasting place in the hearts of music lovers worldwide.

A Trailblazer in Music

Roberta Flack joined The Fugees onstage for a performance of “Killing Me Softly with His Song.” ❤️ pic.twitter.com/lDYv04Wtsk

— Brooklyn White-Grier (@brooklynrwhite) February 24, 2025

Born in North Carolina in 1937, Flack’s career took off in the late 1960s and early 1970s, with a series of chart-topping hits that showcased her unique ability to blend jazz, soul, and folk influences. Her collaborations with artists like Donny Hathaway remain some of the most beloved duets in R&B history.

Health Struggles and Final Years

In recent years, Flack battled amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a diagnosis she revealed in 2022. Despite her illness, she continued to inspire fans through her music and advocacy work. Her final years were marked by a celebration of her remarkable career, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy.

Tributes Pour In

Following news of her passing, tributes from fellow musicians, fans, and celebrities flooded social media. Artists such as Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder, and Lenny Kravitz have expressed their admiration and gratitude for Flack’s contributions to music and culture.

“Roberta’s voice was a gift to the world,” said Keys in a heartfelt message. “Her music will live on forever.”

Remembering an Icon

Roberta Flack’s influence on music and culture remains immeasurable. As fans celebrate her life and legacy, her songs continue to resonate, reminding the world of the power of music to heal, uplift, and inspire. She may be gone, but her voice will echo through time.