Roberta Flack died on Monday at 88 however was lively on social media earlier than her passing, sharing a publish devoted to singer Celine Dion a couple of days in the past.
The enduring singer’s publicist, Elaine Schock, confirmed her loss of life in an announcement, revealing she died at residence, surrounded by her household.
Flack celebrated her 88th birthday on February 10 and expressed her appreciation to followers who wished her effectively.
Article continues under commercial
Roberta Flack Thanks Celine Dion
Three days earlier than her loss of life, Flack shared a video of Celine Dion performing “The First Time Ever I Noticed Your Face.”
Flack initially wrote the track, which was launched in 1969, and Dion carried out it throughout her second one-off tv particular, “All of the Means… A Decade of Music,” which was broadcast by CBS in November 1999.
Earlier than starting the track, Dion paid tribute to Flack, saying, “It is a track I actually love singing very a lot as a result of it is a wonderful lyric however most of all due to the spectacular singer who initially recorded it. Tonight I might prefer to dedicate it to her—Roberta Flack.”
Article continues under commercial
Within the publish’s caption, Flack thanked Dion for overlaying the track. She wrote, “I am touched and thrilled to share this clip of the wondrous Celine Dion including her luminous shine to “The First Time Ever I Noticed Your Face.”
She concluded, “Thanks Celine to your love.”
Article continues under commercial
Roberta Flack Celebrates Her Birthday
Flack turned 88 two weeks earlier than her loss of life and marked it with a publish on her Instagram web page, the place she thanked her mates for celebrating her.
The legendary songstress shared an outdated picture of herself enjoying the piano throughout a efficiency.
Within the publish’s caption, Flack wrote, “Thanks for al the birthday love, expensive mates!”
She added, “Here is to a different 12 months full of affection, music and pleasure.”
Lots of Flack’s mates and followers took turns wishing her a contented birthday after the publish. Nevertheless, these birthday needs have now turned to farewell messages and tributes following her passing.
Article continues under commercial
Roberta Flack’s Dying
Flack died on February 24, 2025, after a number of years of battling well being challenges. The singer’s publicist, Elaine Schock, instructed CNN in an announcement that she was surrounded by her household when she breathed her final at her residence.
In the meantime, in an announcement per Deadline, Flack’s rep stated, “We’re heartbroken that the wonderful Roberta Flack handed away this morning, February 24, 2025.”
They added, “She died peacefully surrounded by her household. Roberta broke boundaries and information. She was additionally a proud educator.”
Article continues under commercial
Flack’s Well being Challenges
In November 2022, stories revealed that Roberta Flack, well-known for her evergreen track, “Killing Me Softly,” was recognized with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
The situation, also referred to as Lou Gehrig’s illness, has no recognized treatment and slowly kills the nerves conveying messages from the mind to the physique’s muscle tissue. Ultimately, it impacts the affected person’s capability to maneuver, speak, and breathe.
They added, “It is going to take much more than ALS to silence this icon. Miss Flack plans to remain lively in her musical and artistic pursuits. Her fortitude and joyful embrace of music that lifted her from modest circumstances to the internationa highlight stay vibrant and impressed.”
Article continues under commercial
Flack’s Profession At A Look
Roberta Flack rose to fame in her early 30s when Clint Eastwood featured “The First Time Ever I Noticed Your Face” in “Play Misty for Me.” The track’s quiet, emotional depth made it successful, topping the charts in 1972 and incomes a Grammy.
In 1973, she received one other Grammy with “Killing Me Softly With His Music,” making historical past as the primary artist to win consecutive Report of the Yr awards. A classically skilled pianist, Flack was found by jazz musician Les McCann, who praised her capability to stir deep feelings.
She championed civil rights, befriended activists like Jesse Jackson and Angela Davis, and carried out at Jackie Robinson’s funeral. Her musical partnership with Donny Hathaway led to tragedy when he died in 1979.
Although she by no means replicated her early success, she had later hits with Peabo Bryson and Maxi Priest. The Fugees’ cowl of “Killing Me Softly” launched her music to a brand new era.
Flack received 5 Grammys and impressed artists like John Legend and serial Grammy Award winner Beyoncé. Enthusiastic about music training, she ran a faculty in New York, guaranteeing her legacy lived on.
