Angela Stribling, a pioneering voice of Black Entertainment Television and a legendary radio personality, has died at the age of 58.
Her husband, Ken Washington, confirmed that Stribling passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, Sept. 26, following a courageous two-year battle with brain cancer. Washington shared the news through his wife’s social media accounts and in a statement to WHUR 96.3 FM, the station where Stribling made history. “Angela leaves behind a legacy of love, joy, kindness, inspiration, and a voice and spirit that will never be forgotten,” Washington said. He noted that Stribling’s sister, Darlene, was also by her side at the time of her passing.
Stribling was a cornerstone of BET during its formative years, becoming a familiar face to millions of viewers across the country. She co-hosted the entertainment news program “Screen Scene” alongside Melvin Lindsey and frequently appeared on the network’s flagship show, “Video Soul.” Her passion for music extended to “Jazz Central,” where she shared hosting duties with legendary figures like Ramsey Lewis and Lou Rawls. In the radio industry, Stribling achieved a historic milestone as the first woman to host the original “Quiet Storm” on Washington’s WHUR.
Her sultry voice and sophisticated delivery later anchored “Pillow Talk with Angela,” a late-night program that reached a national audience through Sirius XM. Her versatile career also included a cameo as a news anchor in the 1992 film “The Distinguished Gentleman” and a 2020 appearance on “The Real Housewives of Potomac.”
Colleagues and friends in the media industry expressed deep sorrow over the loss. Veteran journalist Ed Gordon, a longtime contemporary at BET, described Stribling as a “sweet soul” and noted that her passing has been particularly difficult for the close-knit network family.
Stribling had recently expressed gratitude for another year of life during her final birthday post in October 2025, calling her health challenges the most difficult experience of her lifetime while remaining hopeful for the future.
A celebration of life is currently being planned for the Washington, D.C. area. Her husband stated that details regarding the date and venue will be announced at a later time. Stribling’s impact on Black media and her trailblazing role in jazz and R&B broadcasting remain a significant part of her enduring legacy.
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