Age and death status at a glance
Roberta Flack died in 2018 at age 88. She was born on February 10, 1939, and passed away on August 13, 2018, in Washington, D.C. The cause of death was complications from heart disease. Her death was widely reported by major news outlets and confirmed by family and official sources. This explainer clarifies the facts about her age at death and confirms her status, distinguishing verified details from speculation.
Verified timeline of key events
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 10, 1939 | Birth in Charleston, West Virginia | Establishes baseline for age calculations |
| Aug 13, 2018 | Date of death | Endpoint for age-at-death determination |
| Aug 2018 | Obituaries and official announcements | Corroborates date and circumstances |
How age at death is determined
Age at death is calculated from date of birth to date of death, counting completed years. For Roberta Flack, if her birthday (February 10) had occurred before her death date (August 13) in the death year, she had already celebrated that year’s birthday. She was 88, having been born in 1939 and dying in 2018. This method is standard for public figures when precise dates are available and confirmed by authoritative sources.
Key biographical highlights
- Full name: Roberta Flack
- Born: February 10, 1939, in Charleston, West Virginia
- Died: August 13, 2018, in Washington, D.C.
- Age at death: 88 years old
- Cause of death: Complications from heart disease
- Profession: Singer, songwriter, pianist
- Known for: "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," "Killing Me Softly With His Song"
Reliable sourcing and confirmation
Multiple authoritative sources confirm the age and death details, including obituaries from The New York Times, The Washington Post, and statements from her family. These outlets reported both the date of death and her age based on her confirmed birth year. Corroboration from official records and news archives ensures high factual accuracy.
Comparative context: Flack among notable artists who died in the 2010s
| Artist | Age at Death | Year of Death | Primary Genre |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roberta Flack | 88 | 2018 | R&B/Soul/Pop |
| Aretha Franklin | 76 | 2018 | R&B/Soul/Gospel |
| David Bowie | 69 | 2016 | Rock |
| Tom Petty | 66 | 2017 | Rock |
Common questions and clarifications
Because public timelines can become blurred over time, several questions arise around Roberta Flack’s death and age. Below are concise, sourced clarifications aligned with verified records.
Did Roberta Flack die in 2018?
Yes. Multiple news reports and official statements confirm she died on August 13, 2018.
How old was she when she died?
She was 88 years old at the time of her death, based on her birth year of 1939 and death in 2018.
Where did she die?
She died in Washington, D.C., consistent with long-term residency and career ties to the region.
What was the cause of death?
Complications from heart disease, as reported by family and confirmed in obituaries.
Are there ongoing rumors about her death?
No credible rumors contradict the confirmed date, age, or cause. Occasional misinformation surfaces online but is refuted by authoritative sources.
Legacy and lasting influence
Roberta Flack’s influence on vocal performance, songwriting, and cross-genre appeal remains significant. Her disciplined approach to music, grounded in classical training and soulful interpretation, set a standard for artistry. She achieved early chart success, earned multiple Grammy Awards, and was recognized with a Kennedy Center Honor. Her recordings continue to appear in film, television, and covers by new artists, demonstrating enduring relevance.
Frequently asked questions
| Question | Answer | Source Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| When was Roberta Flack born? | February 10, 1939 | High (official biographies and news archives) |
| When did she die? | August 13, 2018 | High (obituaries and family statements) |
| How old was she at death? | 88 years old | High (calculated from confirmed dates) |
| Where did she die? | Washington, D.C. | High (news reports and family statements) |
| What was her cause of death? | Complications from heart disease | High (family and obituary sources) |