BET host, longtime radio personality dies after brain cancer battle
PUBLISHED Sep 28, 2026, 12:56 AM ET
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Veteran Black Entertainment Television personality, jazz vocalist, and Washington, D.C. radio host Angela Stribling has died at the age of 58 following a two-year battle with brain cancer. According to a statement from her husband, Ken Washington, Stribling passed away peacefully at home on September 26, 2026. Journalist Ed Gordon publicly announced her death the following day. Stribling gained widespread recognition during her tenure at BET, where she co-hosted programs such as Jazz Central, Screen Scene, and BET Jazz Discovery. Beyond television, she became a prominent voice in D.C. radio, hosting the late-night program Pillow Talk with Angela on WHUR-FM and contributing to the station's Quiet Storm tradition. A classically trained vocalist, she performed internationally and recorded several personal jazz projects. A celebration of life service is scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C.
By Yusra M. | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- 2024-09 — Angela Stribling begins medical treatment following a brain cancer diagnosis.
- On September 26 2026 Angela Stribling passes away at home at age 58.
- On September 27 2026 Journalist Ed Gordon publicly announces Stribling's death on social media.
- On September 27 2026 Family releases official statement confirming passing details.
- TBD — Celebration of life service scheduled in Washington, D.C.
News Intelligence
- Immediate US impact: Tributes and mourning across American broadcast media, particularly within Washington, D.C. radio and the national Black entertainment community.
- Possible long-term US impact: Remembrance of her legacy in shaping late-night R&B and jazz broadcasting traditions like WHUR's Quiet Storm.
- Most affected groups: Broadcast media professionals, jazz music community, and Washington, D.C. radio listeners.
- Reader priority: Obituary and historical tribute to a pioneering Black media personality.
Coverage of Story:
From Left
Honoring the Legacy of Broadcast Trailblazer Angela Stribling
The Root The Daily Beast HuffPostFrom Center
R.I.P. BET and DC radio legend and singer Angela Stribling
SoulTracks Billboard Variety The Hollywood Reporter Vibe Essence Black Enterprise EURweb Associated Press Reuters USA Today Washington Post WTOP WHUR NBC News ABC News CBS News CNN MSN Yahoo Entertainment Rolling Stone BET Official Los Angeles TimesFrom Right
Longtime television host and radio personality remembered
Fox News Washington Times New York Post
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