Peabo Bryson: Disney duet favourite and R&B romantic dies aged 75
He was a two‑time GRAMMY‑winning R&B vocalist
Last updated 3rd Jun 2026
For a lot of fans, the first time they heard Peabo Bryson was in a darkened cinema, as those unmistakably tender vocals swelled over an animated love story. Now, the singer whose voice became shorthand for Disney romance and slow‑jam devotion has died, aged 75.
In the days before his passing, his family revealed he had recently suffered a stroke, and messages of love and gratitude have been pouring in ever since. Behind those famous duets lies a five‑decade career in soul, pop and R&B that shaped countless playlists and memories.
Peabo Bryson is a two‑time GRAMMY‑winning R&B vocalist and is most recognised for 90s Disney film favourite songs including the 'Beauty and the Beast' title track and Aladdin's 'A Whole New World'.
No cause of death has been given, but his family had confirmed just days earlier that he had suffered a stroke, and said he "transitioned peacefully" on Tuesday 2nd June 2026.
In a statement, they shared: "With broken hearts and profound sadness, the family of two-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and balladeer, Peabo Bryson, announces his passing,' part of the statement reads. 'He transitioned peacefully at 5:00 pm ET on the evening of Tuesday, June 2, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family and those closest to him."
It added: "For more than five decades, Peabo's extraordinary voice served as the soundtrack to some of life's most cherished moments.
"His music carried generations through joyful celebrations, great love stories and enduring moments of comfort and inspiration, creating a legacy that will forever live in the hearts of those who loved him and the countless lives he touched through song.
"While our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing how deeply Peabo was loved and how many lives were touched by his voice and his generous spirit," his family shared. "His legacy and music will live on for generations to come."
Posting a tribute to her former duet partner on X, Celine Dion shared a heartwarming statement reflecting on their Beauty and the Beast collaboration and the power of his vocals.
Fences actress, Viola Davis, posted her tribute to Peabo on Facebook, writing: 'Man....I loved you. You were one of the last great "crooners". The voice that made us believe in love and softness....Your voice, songwriting expanded through generations....You and what you created will live on. Rest well. We will all speak your name, Mr. Peabo Bryson. 💔❤️🕊🙏🏿'. (sic)
Ruben Studdard - American R&B, gospel, and pop singer who rose to fame as the winner of the second season of American Idol in 2003 - shared a photo of himself with Peabo on Instagram as a tribute.
Although many first met him through those iconic Disney numbers - duets with Celine Dion and Regina Belle – Peabo had already built a respected R&B career.
A South Carolina native, he came up in the 1970s with Moses Dillard and the Tex‑Town Display before signing to Atlanta indie label Bang Records and releasing his debut solo album in 1976, then moving to Capitol a year later. That run produced a streak of smooth soul cuts including ‘Feel the Fire’, ‘Reaching for the Sky’, ‘I’m So into You’ and ‘Crosswinds’.
By the mid‑’80s, Peabo was comfortably crossing from R&B to pop radio. He landed his first Top 10 pop hit with ‘If Ever You’re in My Arms Again’, and followed it with ‘Show and Tell’ and ‘Can You Stop the Rain’. Around the same time, he briefly stepped into daytime TV on US soap ‘One Life to Live’, recording a version of its theme song that went on to run as the show’s main title music for seven years.
In 1983, Peabo teamed with Roberta Flack for the album ‘Born to Love’, and later scored hits with Angela Bofill on ‘For You and I’ as well as a string of collaborations with Regina Belle. Alongside ‘Tonight, I Celebrate My Love’, ‘You’re Looking Like Love to Me’ and festive favourite ‘As Long as There’s Christmas’, his songs naturally found their way into weddings, family gatherings and holiday specials.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.
Here are other famous faces who have sadly passed away in 2026:
Terry Yorath
Former Leeds and Wales footballer Terry Yorath sadly died at the age of 75 following a short illness in January. His family, including his daughter, TV presenter Gabby Logan, shared the sad news via a statement, which said: "To most he was a revered footballing hero, but to us he was Dad; a quiet, kind and gentle man. Our hearts are broken but we take comfort knowing that he will be reunited with our brother, Daniel."
Derek Martin
Actor Derek Martin, best known for playing the iconic role of cab driver Charlie Slater in BBC soap EastEnders, sadly died at the age of 92 on 10th January 2026. Derek's agent Sharon Henry sharing a statement on behalf of his family, which read: "Derek wasn't just a dad to us he was a friend and supported us through our highs and lows. He never stopped learning, he loved meeting people and was always generous with his time. We both miss him terribly. The family ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult time."
Trevor A Toussaint
Actor Trevor A Toussaint, best known for playing the role of Walter Deveraux on Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks, sadly died at the age of 65 in January. His rep confirmed the sad news on social media, writing: 'It is with deep sadness that we formally announce the passing of Trevor A Toussaint. His family wish to thank you for your well wishes and support as they take this time to privately come to terms with their great loss of an enigmatic, loving father, husband, grandfather, uncle and friend."
Francis Buchholz
German bassist Francis Buchholz, best known for his two-decade tenure with Scorpions and being a member of Michael Schenker's Temple of Rock, sadly died in. January, aged 71. A post from his family said: 'It is with overwhelming sadness and heavy hearts we share the news that our beloved Francis passed away yesterday after a private battle with cancer. He departed this world peacefully, surrounded by love.'
Catherine O'Hara
Home Alone and Schitt's Creek actress Catherine O'Hara sadly died at the age of 71 in January, following a brief illness. The Canadian-American comedy star was well known for playing Kevin's mum in Home Alone and Moira Rose in Schitt's Creek.
John Virgo
Snooker player and commentator John Virgo sadly died at the age of 79 in February. World Snooker Tour confirmed the sad news in a statement which read: "Everyone at World Snooker Tour is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of legendary snooker player and broadcaster John Virgo, aged 79. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, JV."
James Van Der Beek
Dawson's Creek star James Van Der Beek sadly died at the age of 48 in February, following a battle with bowel cancer. The family statement said: "Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend."
Robert Duvall
The Godfather actor Robert Duvall sadly passed away at the age of 95 in February. The Oscar-winning actor died "peacefully" at his home surrounded by "love and comfort", according to a statement by his wife Luciana Duvall.
Eric Dane
American actor Eric Dane, best known for his roles in TV shows like Grey's Anatomy and Euphoria, sadly died at the age of 53, after being diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in 2025.
Mike Vernon
Fleetwood Mac, David Bowie and Eric Clapton producer Mike Vernon died aged 81. His family released a statement saying: 'To the world, he was a passionate champion of the blues and a legendary record producer who helped shape so much incredible music.
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Mel Schilling
Mel Schilling, relationship expert and host of Married at First Sight in the UK and Australia, sadly died at the age of 54 after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. Her husband shared a statement, which read: 'In her final moments, when I thought cancer had taken away her ability to speak, she ushered me closer and whispered a message for Maddie and me that will sustain me for the rest of my life. It took all of her remaining strength, and that gesture summed up our wee Melsie perfectly. Even then, her only thought was for Maddie and me.'
Alan Osmond
Alan Osmond has passed away age 76. The news was shared by his family, with his brother Merrill telling fans: 'Two days before my brother, Alan, passed, I was blessed to sit quietly with him. We talked as brothers do, heart to heart. He was struggling, but when I shared a joke or two, he found the strength to chuckle… and then he smiled.'
Elsie Kelly
Benidorm actress Elsie Kelly passed away on 21st April 2026, aged 89. She was best known for playing Noreen (and later her twin sister Doreen) in the hit TV series, alongside her on-screen son, Johnny Vegas, who played Geoff. Johnny paid tribute to his 'mam', calling her 'generous, talented, funny, kind and hard grafting'.
Nedra Talley Ross (The Ronettes)
The Ronettes' Nedra Talley Ross has sadly died aged 80, the singer passed away peacefully at home according to her daughter, who said on Facebook: 'At approximately 8:30 this morning our mother Nedra Talley Ross went home to be with the Lord.
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Jake Hall
Former TOWIE star and model Jake Hall sadly passed away at the age of 35 in May, following a 'tragic accident' which happened in Mallorca, Spain. A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office said: "We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Spain and are in contact with the local authorities."
Judith Chalmers
Wish You Were Here presenter Judith Chalmers sadly died at the age of 90 in May. In a statement to ITV News, Judith's family said: "After living an extraordinary life that involved over 60 years in broadcasting and countless adventures all over the globe, Judy sadly passed away last night, surrounded by the family she loved so much after suffering with Alzheimer's for some years.
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Peabo Bryson
Peabo Bryson, the two-time GRAMMY-winning R&B vocalist, died aged 75 after recently suffering a stroke. He is most recognised for Disney film favourite songs including the 'Beauty and the Beast' title track and Aladdin's 'A Whole New World'. His family confirmed he "transitioned peacefully" on Tuesday 2nd June 2026.
Tributes poured in from Celine Dion, his duet partner on 'Beauty and the Beast', and actress Viola Davis. Peabo's five-decade career shaped countless playlists with smooth soul hits and iconic Disney romance duets that became shorthand for slow-jam devotion.
Kanya King CBE
On Friday 5th June, MOBO Organisation announced the sad passing of its Founder and CEO, Kanya King CBE. Kanya passed away peacefully on 3rd June 2026 after a courageous and characteristically determined battle with colon cancer. She was surrounded by her family, close friends and love.