Revered singer Roberta Flack has died aged 88.

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

Among the first to pay tribute was fellow singer Stephanie Mills.

"Roberta Flack transitioned today and my heart is shattered," she says. "I am saddened because another friend has become an ancestor. For those of us who knew her, she was more than a legend in our industry, she was real, soft spoken, laid-back, and kind to me… She said 'Love is a song', and I believe that. I remember going to church with Ms. Flack and during that service we washed each other’s feet. It is difficult to share the emotions of that moment but I’ll never forget that it was a beautiful experience. Miss Flack will truly be missed."

Born in North Carolina in 1937, Flack is considered one of the greatest R&B and soul artists of all time.

'First Time I Ever Saw Your Face' from her 1969 debut album First Take was personally chosen by Clint Eastwood for his directorial debut Play Misty for Me. The song won Flack a Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1973.

The following year, she was awarded a Record of the Year award for 'Killing Me Softly' and became the first artist to win the trophy two years in a row.

Over her career, Flack has had several number one hits and produced 20 studio albums. The soul singer has won four Grammys and was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020.

After she was unwell while performing on stage in 2018, her manager revealed that the singer had suffered a stroke two years prior. In 2022 a statement was released saying that Flack could no longer sing after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

Here's a selection of the other tributes that have been flooding in:

How sad that Roberta Flack has passed away at the age of 88. She gave us so many beautiful songs, I just loved her voice. R.IP and thanks for the music. pic.twitter.com/jLWc2H7OvK

— Tony Blackburn OBE. (@tonyblackburn) February 24, 2025

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!!! pic.twitter.com/0llBa6VXID

— Jennifer Hudson (@IAMJHUD) February 24, 2025

RIP Roberta! What a talent. https://t.co/F7En5whrDs

— Lloyd Cole (@Lloyd_Cole) February 24, 2025

Rest in peace to Howard graduate, classically trained pianist, songwriter, singer, & the first artist to ever win a Grammy for Record of the Year in two consecutive years, Miss Roberta Flack. Her & her fellow songwriter Donny Hathaway are now reunited. pic.twitter.com/RsL2q35O9P

— Queer Latifah 🥂 (@TheAfrocentricI) February 24, 2025

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