The beautiful longtime broadcaster, host, and jazz vocalist, Angela Stribling, whose career crossed television, radio and the stage, has passed away. The Los Angeles Times reported that she was 58.
In a family statement published by radio station, WHUR, her husband, Ken Washington, said she died at home on September 26, 2026, after two years with brain cancer. Washington and Stribling’s sister, Darlene, were beside her.
For audiences who welcomed her into their homes and listened late into the night, her loss marks the passing of a familiar presence in Black entertainment.
Stribling hosted BET’s entertainment program Screen Scene and helped establish BET Jazz, appearing on Jazz Central, Jazz Discovery and Jazz Scene. Her career also included Baltimore television and Washington radio.
At WHUR, she became the first woman to host The Original Quiet Storm. Her program Pillow Talk brought together music and conversations about relationships.
She was also a classically trained singer who performed internationally and shared stages with Stevie Wonder and Chaka Khan. WHUR’s tribute remembered her generosity alongside her professional accomplishments.
“Angela Stribling was a remarkable talent, but what made her truly special was the person she was,” WHUR General Manager Sean Plater said in the station’s tribute. “Her voice was beautiful, her presence was calming, and her spirit was genuine. She had a way of making people feel welcome and valued, and that gift extended far beyond the radio. Angela was part of the WHUR family, and her loss is deeply felt by all of us. We will remember her not only for the incredible career she built, but for the love, kindness and light she shared with so many people.”
Her family said a celebration of life would take place in Washington, D.C., with details to be announced.
The public family statement identifies brain cancer but does not specify Stribling’s tumor type or treatment history. That distinction matters: brain tumors differ widely in their behavior and treatment.
Some cancers begin in the brain. Others spread there from another organ. Both can disrupt the areas responsible for speech, memory, movement and other functions. Even a noncancerous brain tumor can cause serious problems by pressing on surrounding tissue.
According to the National Cancer Institute, symptoms can include recurring headaches, seizures, vision changes, trouble with balance, and changes in mood, personality or concentration. These symptoms can have other causes, but new or worsening changes deserve medical attention.
Treatment depends on the tumor’s type, location and other characteristics, as well as the patient’s health. Options may include surgery, radiation and drug treatment. Without more information, it would be inappropriate to assume which treatments Stribling received.
Brain cancer was the illness disclosed by Stribling’s family. Across Black women nationally, however, breast, lung and colorectal cancers account for the largest shares of new cancer diagnoses.
The American Cancer Society’s 2025 estimates attributed approximately 34% of new cancer diagnoses among Black women to breast cancer, 10% to lung cancer and 8% to colorectal cancer. These percentages describe the distribution of cancer diagnoses—not the percentage of all Black women who develop each disease.
Other cancers deserve attention because Black women experience particularly serious disparities in survival.
Breast cancer: The most commonly diagnosed cancer among Black women also carries a major mortality gap. ACS reported a breast cancer death rate 38% higher than that of White women, despite a slightly lower incidence rate. Later diagnosis, unequal access to treatment and a higher frequency of aggressive tumor subtypes contribute.
Lung cancer: Its substantial share of diagnoses makes it a major concern even though Black women have lower lung cancer mortality than White women. Screening eligibility depends on age and smoking history.
Colorectal cancer: ACS reported that Black women had incidence rates 14% higher and death rates 25% higher than White women. Screening can identify cancer early and detect precancerous growths.
Uterine, or endometrial, cancer: Black women are approximately twice as likely to die from this cancer as White women. Report unexpected vaginal bleeding, especially after menopause. A Pap test does not screen for endometrial cancer.
Cervical cancer: It is less common than breast, lung or colorectal cancer, but the survival gap remains significant. ACS reported a cervical cancer death rate 53% higher among Black women than White women.
These differences reflect more than individual choices. Access to screening, timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment plays a critical role.
Screening recommendations apply to people without symptoms; a new symptom needs evaluation even if screening is up to date.
Under ACS guidance, average-risk women may begin annual mammograms at 40 and should begin by 45. Average-risk colorectal screening begins at 45. People with a cervix should follow a cervical screening schedule based on their age, previous results and risk.
ACS recommends annual low-dose CT lung screening for eligible adults ages 50–80 with at least a 20 pack-year smoking history who currently smoke or formerly smoked. Discuss eligibility and the benefits and limitations with a clinician.
Family history or inherited cancer risk can change a screening plan. Ask which tests you need, when to start and how you will receive results.
Stribling’s legacy lives in the audiences she reached and the space she helped create for Black music and conversation. Alongside remembrance, cancer education offers readers something practical: information they can bring to their next healthcare visit.
By subscribing, you consent to receive emails from BlackDoctor.com. You may unsubscribe at any time. Privacy Policy & Terms of Service.
