When was Roberta Flack diagnosed with ALS? Killing Me Softly vocalist dies aged 88

Roberta Flack, the legendary singer, died on February 24 at the age of 88. She was surrounded by her beloved family when she took her last breath yesterday.

In 2022, the veteran musician shared her physical health struggle and announced her diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Due to her motor neuron disease, she could not sing anymore.

Roberta Flack let the world know about her battle with ALS in November 2022, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, via a spokesperson. According to a report by The New York Times, publicist, Elaine Schock issued a statement. It said:

The disease "has made it impossible to sing and not easy to speak."

The statement further continued mentioning that she plans to continue her musical pursuits.

"But it will take a lot more than ALS to silence this icon."

According to a February 24 publication by the New York Times, Suzanne Koga, Roberta's friend and manager, disclosed that the singer's cause of death was a cardiac arrest. Suzanne disclosed that Roberta died on her way to the hospital.

Everything we know about Roberta Flack's health concerns

The Killing Me Softly vocalist announced about suffering from ALS in August 2022. In the email shared with The New York Times, Elaine Schock further continued:

"Her fortitude and joyful embrace of music that lifted her from modest circumstances to the international spotlight remain vibrant and inspired."

While releasing the statement, the spokesperson did not uncover when the singer started suffering from this fatal brain disease. The 4-time Grammy winner died after a few years of this health condition. However, her legacy and contributions to the musical world will continue to last among her fans.

According to a BBC News report, her representatives released a statement announcing her demise. It read:

"We are heartbroken that the glorious Roberta Flack passed away this morning, February 24, 2025."

It further mentioned:

"She died peacefully surrounded by her family. Roberta broke boundaries and records. She was also a proud educator."

Here's about Roberta Flack's musical career

The American singer is popular globally for her soothing voice, exceptional skills, and phenomenal music. One of the first and biggest highlights of her career was The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face. In 1973, the song won a Grammy Award.

Soon, Roberta began working on more hits and continued her glory in the music world. In 1974, she won Grammy awards for Killing Me Softly with His Song. The recognitions were for Record of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Performance (Female) categories.

She won her fourth Grammy for Where Is the Love in the Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group category. Roberta has worked with legendary singers and created hit songs over the years and her last Grammy-winning music was with Donny Hathaway.

Roberta concluded her musical career grandly. At the time of her demise, she had an overall net worth of $20 million, as per a Celebrity Net Worth report.