Tributes are pouring in as the music world mourns the loss of Roberta Flack, the Grammy-winning singer behind soulful hits and timeless ballads. She was 88.
Roberta Flack passed away on February 24, 2025, at her home, surrounded by family, her publicist Elaine Schock told CNN. She had been battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.
Diagnosed in 2022, the illness eventually made it impossible for her to sing and difficult to speak.
Roberta Flack plays piano at a tribute concert for Joel Dorn at Lincoln Center, New York City, on August 13, 2008 | Source: Getty Images
Tributes from fellow artists poured in following news of her passing. Drummer and record producer Questlove shared on Instagram, “Thank You Roberta Flack. Rest In Melody.”
Singer Jennifer Hudson also honored Flack, “So sad to hear of Roberta Flack’s passing. One of the great soul singers of all time. Rest well, Ms. Flack. Your legacy lives on!!!”
Throughout her career, Flack became known for her smooth voice, emotional ballads, and classic hits like “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” and “Feel Like Makin’ Love.”
A multi-Grammy winner and dedicated activist, she used her platform to support social causes and made a lasting mark on music. Though she is gone, her songs will continue to be heard and remembered for years to come.
