‘With a heavy heart’: Celine Dion delivers moving tribute to singing icon Roberta Flack

Superstar Celine Dion has shared a moving tribute to late singer Roberta Flack, calling her music a gift that “shaped generations.”

Flack sadly passed away at the age of 88 on Monday, February 24.

Upon hearing the news of Flack’s passing, Dion took to social media, posting a video of herself performing one of Flack’s timeless songs while sharing her thoughts on what made Flack’s legacy so enduring.

“With a heavy heart we have to say goodbye to Roberta Flack,” she wrote.

“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.

“Singing “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” was such an incredible honor, stepping into the world Roberta created with such grace and beauty. Thank you for sharing your remarkable gift with us.”

 

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Fans were quick to pay tribute to both Dion’s moving performance and the lasting mark left by Flack.

“This is the song of my life, just as you are one of my favorite artists. This rendition is absolutely impeccable, unforgettable, timeless, touching, flawless (as everything you touch),” one commented.

“A legend who will never be forgotten.”

“Absolutely loved hearing her perform this on her very first Vegas residency,” commented another.

“Roberta Flack. The loss of a legend, but she will live on through her music. May she rest in peace.”

Born in North Carolina in 1937, Flack began her recording career at the age of 32, rising to stardom with The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face after the iconic actor and director Clint Eastwood used the song as the soundtrack for a love scene in his film Play Misty For Me.

The song won the Grammy for record of the year in 1973. Flack went on to win best female pop vocal performance for her hit Killing Me Softly With His Song a year later.

In recognition of her talent, Flack received the lifetime achievement award from the Recording Academy in 2020.