This is heartbreaking news about Roberta Flack. It has been announced through her spokesperson that the singer is battling ALS.
In a statement that was released on Monday, the disease also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease has left the legendary singer unable to speak or sing. There is no word on how long she has been fighting this incurable disease, however she isn’t letting it stop her from working.
“Miss Flack plans to stay active in her musical and creative pursuits. Her fortitude and joyful embrace of music that lifted her from modest circumstances to the international spotlight remain vibrant and inspired,” the statement also said.
Roberta Flack, 85, is best known for album and single Killing Me Softly and will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the album in 2023. Next year she is set to release a children’s book called The Green Piano: How Little Me Found Music, that she co-authored with Tonya Bolden.
The book will be about the piano that her dad got from a junkyard for her and how it helped set her musical career. A documentary about the singer will also air on PBS “American Masters” series.
We will continue to keep her in our thoughts and prayers.