Tributes pour in for Roberta Flack as she dies at 88: ‘RIP Queen’

Celebrities like Kelly Rowland and Jennifer Hudson paid tribute to Roberta Flack after her death at 88.

Roberta Flack has died at the age of 88. Known for hits like Killing Me Softly With His Song and The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face, the legendary R&B singer passed away surrounded by her family at her home on Monday, according to a statement issued by her publicist, Elaine Schock.

Roberta Flack dies at 88 after years-long health issues, including ALS

(FILES) US singer Roberta Flack performs at the 40th Jazzaldia festival in the Spanish northern Basque city of San Sebastian on July 23, 2005. Roberta Flack, the Grammy-winning singer behind the classic "Killing Me Softly With His Song," died on February 24, 2025, her publicist said in a statement, without citing a cause. She was 88 years old. The influential pop and R&B star was one of the most recognizable voices of the 1970s, but in recent years she lost her ability to sing to ALS, known as Lou Gehrig's disease, which she was diagnosed with in 2022. (Photo by Rafa RIVAS / AFP) (AFP)

“We are heartbroken that the glorious Roberta Flack passed away this morning, February 24, 2025. She died peacefully surrounded by her family. Roberta broke boundaries and records. She was also a proud educator,” the statement read, per Variety.

The Grammy-winner dealt with numerous health challenges, including a diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Schock publicly announced in 2022. The progressive condition, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, rendered Flack unable to sing.

Tributes pour in for Roberta Flack, the voice behind Killing Me Softly With His Song

Kelly Rowland also shared a tribute for Flack that read, “My heart just sank!! Our Dear Ms.Roberta Flack has ascended beyond but what beauty she has left us with!! THANK YOU for your effortless, most beautiful gift! THANK YOU for being apart of the soundtrack to the most tender moments in my life! So Grateful for you!” Meanwhile, Questlove, the drummer for Roots wrote, “Thank You Roberta Flack. Rest In Melody.”