Roberta Flack died at the age of 88 in February 2025 following a powerful, decades-long music career. The late “Killing Me Softly with His Song” vocalist built a lasting legacy in R&B, influencing a whole subgenre known as “quiet storm.” After gradually paving her way to success, Roberta not only increased her net worth and fan base, but also her accolades. She was the recipient of four Grammy Awards and the 2020 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
When she died, a spokesperson for Roberta released a statement obtained by The Guardian, which read, “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.”
Below, learn more about Roberta’s life, career and death.
Roberta Flack’s Most Famous Songs
Aside from her 1970s hit single “Killing Me Softly with His Love,” Roberta also reached success with the songs “The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face” and “Feel Like Makin’ Love.” She topped the Billboard charts several times throughout her music career.
Roberta Flack’s Net Worth
Thanks to a highly successful career as a music artist, Roberta had a net worth of $20 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Roberta was from North Carolina and attended college at Washington D.C.’s Howard University at just 15 years old — one of the school’s youngest to ever enroll. After studying music, she took on teaching jobs while performing on the side. She was eventually discovered in a D.C. nightclub in the 1970s.
Was Roberta Flack Married?
Roberta was not married when she died, but she was married to her ex-husband, Steve Novosel, from 1966 to 1972. Steve was a fellow musician.
Did Roberta Flack Have Children?
Robert did not have children of her own. However, she was the aunt of the well-known figure skater Rory Flack and the godmother of late musician Bernard Wright.
How Did Roberta Flack Die?
No cause of death was given at the time of Roberta’s death in February 2025. However, she was diagnosed with the disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a.k.a ALS, in 2022, which prompted her retirement. Previously, she left a performance at New York City’s Apollo Theater in 2018 after feeling ill. It was later revealed that she had suffered a stroke years prior.
