Celine Dion was among a host of music and showbiz people paying tribute to the late US singer Roberta Flack, following her death at the age of 88.
The Canadian singer hailed Flack as a "legend" whose music "shaped generations"
A host of other celebrities including US chat show host Oprah Winfrey and artist Yoko Ono have paid tribute to the soul star who died on Monday "surrounded by her family", her publicist said.
In 2022 it was announced the singer had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurological condition that made it "impossible" for her to sing, according to a representative at the time.
Canadian pop star Dion, 56, said in a post to social media on Tuesday: "With a heavy heart we have to say goodbye to Roberta Flack.
"She was a legend, with a voice that could soothe and stir all at once… Her music wasn't just heard - it was FELT.
"With timeless songs like 'Killing Me Softly With His Song’, and ‘The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face’ she gifted us music that has shaped generations."
Dion said that singing the latter "was such an incredible honour" and added: "Stepping into the world Roberta created with such grace and beauty. Thank you for sharing your remarkable gift with us."
ROBERTA FLACK Rest In Peace
— Yoko Ono (@yokoono) February 25, 2025
📷 David Bowie, Yoko Ono, John Lennon and Roberta Flack, at The 17th Annual Grammy Awards in 1975. pic.twitter.com/0SjB1XsaYD
Ono, 92, who was a neighbour of Flack’s when she lived in New York City’s Dakota Building with John Lennon, posted a photo of the three of them with David Bowie and wrote: "Roberta Flack Rest In Peace."
Winfrey, 71, shared a video of her welcoming the singer on to her chat show to sing hits including Killing Me Softly With His Song, written by Lori Lieberman and Norman Gimbel and composed by Charles Fox.
US songwriter Lieberman told the PA news agency that Flack "exposed this song to the world with her artistry, her talent, her innovation and her heart".
"I do hope that now she can rest in peace… without her my little song never would have been what it is today, and I’m forever grateful," she said.
Alongside her Instagram post Winfrey wrote: "Rest in peace, Roberta. Thank you for giving us the soundtrack to our lives."
Elsewhere, Sex And The City actress Sarah Jessica Parker said listening to Flack "was blissful" in a social media post while director Clint Eastwood wrote "rest in peace" next to a photo of the two.
Lennnon and Ono’s son Sean, said he was "heartbroken" by the death of Flack who "was a very close family friend and neighbour" as well as an "incredibly kind woman" who was "uniquely talented."
US singer Peabo Bryson called her his "greatest inspiration" and said: "My relationship with this iconic and divinely gifted artist and friend, forever changed my life in music and entertainment."
Flack and Bryson, 73, released duet album Born To Love in 1983 which featured their hit Tonight, I Celebrate My Love.
US singer and actress Jennifer Hudson hailed Flack as "one of the great soul singers of all time" in an Instagram tribute alongside a black and white photo of the singer.
Veteran radio DJ Tony Blackburn said: "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. RIP and thanks for the music."
Source: Press Association
