BET host Angela Stribling dies after brain cancer battle
Angela Stribling, a former host of BET shows and radio personality, has died.
Stribling's husband, Ken Washington, shared the news in an Instagram post shared on her account and in a statement to her longtime Washington, D.C., radio station, WHUR 96.3 FM, on Sept. 27.
"It is with a broken heart that I share that my beloved wife, Angela Marie Stribling, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, September 26, after a courageous two-year battle with brain cancer," Washington said. "Her sister Darlene and I were by her side."
His post continued, "Angela leaves behind a legacy of love, joy, kindness, inspiration, and a voice and spirit that will never be forgotten. A celebration of life will be held in Washington DC, date and venue to be announced."
Friend and veteran BET personality Ed Gordon shared a tribute to Stribling on social media, calling his former colleague "a sweet soul."
"It’s been a very difficult year for the BET family, we’ve lost a number of people and it’s gotten even more devastating. So very sad to hear Angela Stribling has passed away," Gordon wrote. "During our last conversation, she told me that she and her husband would be spending more time in DC after being out west for a number of years. My prayers and best go out to him and her other loved ones."
In her final birthday post on Oct. 13, 2025, Stribling maintained a positive tone as she alluded to health issues.
"I’m grateful to God for another year of LIFE! Actually, I’m grateful for every single moment!" she captioned a selfie. "This past year was the most challenging I’ve experienced in my lifetime! On many levels! But, especially a surprising health challenge! Through the grace of God, I’ve survived it and ready to embrace all that He has in store for me!"
Stribling most recently hosted a late-night radio show, "Pillow Talk with Angela," which broadcast on WHUR and Sirius XM. In 2020, she appeared on Season 5 of "The Real Housewives of Potomac" and made a film cameo as a TV anchor in the 1992 Eddie Murphy movie "The Distinguished Gentleman."
Earlier in her career, the jazz singer hosted BET's entertainment news show "Screen Scene" in the 1990s and pioneered the network's jazz coverage by hosting "Jazz Central" and other programs.
The Buffalo, New York-born on-air personality attended the Fashion Institute of Technology before moving to D.C. and pursuing a career that "involved my voice," per advice from mentors and friends, Stribling told Copa Style Magazine.
"I'm a jazz singer first. It has always been my passion," she said. "However, my broadcast career is also such an integral part of who I am. I'm excited every chance I get to perform on stage, share the spotlight on other artists, and talk about it all on radio and television."
