Kelly Rowland, Jennifer Hudson, Flea & More Mourn Roberta Flack’s Death: ‘Roberta Forever’
The "Killing Me Softly" icon was 88 years old.
Roberta Flack photographed circa 1973.
Roberta Flack died on Monday morning (Feb. 24), and the music world came together to mourn the beloved R&B icon.
The “Killing Me Softly” singer’s spokesperson announced the news in a press statement, writing, “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.”
Over the course of her illustrious career, Flack scored a total of 18 Hot 100 hits, and notched four albums in the top three of the Billboard 200, as well as more than two dozen charting hits on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Flack was also nominated for 14 Grammys and won three.
Following the devastating news of Flack’s passing, a number of celebrities took to social media to commemorate the superstar. “Thank You Roberta Flack. Rest In Melody,” Questlove wrote on Instagram alongside a black-and-white photo of Flack.
Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Flea echoed the sentiment, writing on his page, “Roberta Forever.”
“My heart just sank!!” Kelly Rowland wrote on X. “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!”
Jennifer Hudson added, “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!!!”
John Lennon’s children, Sean and Julian, also mourned the singer, as she was close to their late father. “Roberta Flack was a very close family friend and neighbor. She was an incredibly kind woman. Uniquely talented. I am eternally grateful to have known her. I’m heart broken she had to leave this earth. Will always love you,” Sean wrote. Julian added, “Roberta Flack was a neighbor of Dad’s in New York City, and a dear friend of our family. Very sad to hear of her passing. Deepest condolences to all who loved her.”
Brenda Russell shared a statement to Billboard, writing, “My prayers are with the friends and family of Ms. Roberta Flack who just made her transition. Her voice was stellar and much appreciated by millions. The sweetness of her vocal tone was soothing and healing for so many. She will be missed by so many fans. My friend made a hell of an impact on the planet with songs like ‘Killing Me Softly’ and ‘The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.’ So glad I recorded the song we wrote together with Barry Miles.”
David Nathan, soul music historian and author, also shared a touching tribute in his statement, writing, “Roberta was a towering force as a musician and singer. One of her greatest gifts was her ability to find songs that really expressed emotion. When you listen to Roberta, you hear different elements of her classical training; her approach to a whole diversity of music that was unlike anyone else’s. Listen to some of her greatest recordings, and you hear singing and playing that’s measured, thoughtful — and still has all the emotion in it. One concern she always had was being categorized: where people thought she was [either] R&B, soul or pop. The truth is she was all of it.”
