Peabo Bryson, best known to soap fans for singing the popular “One Life to Live” theme song from the 1980s, and the Disney classics “A Whole New World” and “Beauty and the Beast,” has died. He was just 75 years old.

Though an official cause of death was cited, on Sunday, May 31, a rep for the family announced that Bryson had suffered a stroke and was under medical care.

“With broken hearts and profound sadness, the family of two-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and balladeer, Peabo Bryson, announces his passing,” said the entertainer’s family in a statement reported by Variety. “He transitioned peacefully at 5:00 p.m. ET on the evening of Tuesday, June 2, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family and those closest to him.”

“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.

“In this deeply difficult moment, the family asks for privacy as they mourn the loss of a beloved husband, father, family member, friend and artist whose impact extended far beyond the stage.

“We are tremendously moved by the outpouring of love, prayers and support from fans, friends, and colleagues around the world,” the family shared. “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 legacy and music will live on for generations to come.”

Though his duets with Celine Dion (“Beauty and the Beast” from 1991’s “Beauty and the Beauty”) and Regina Belle (“A Whole New World” from 1992’s “Aladdin”), respectively, were his most recognized songs, Bryson also scored several other hits, including “Tonight, I Celebrate My Love,” “You’re Looking Like Love to Me,” “As Long as There’s Christmas,” “Feel the Fire,” “Reaching for the Sky,” “I’m So into You” and “Crosswinds,” among others.

“One Life to Live”

In 1985, with music by Dave Grusin and lyrics by Randy Goodrum, Bryson appeared in an episode of “One Life to Live” singing what would become a vocal rendition of the show’s then-instrumental theme, which remained a signature part of the daytime soap opera until 1991.

In 1992, Bryson performed “Beauty and the Beast” alongside Dion at the Academy Awards, with “Beauty and the Beast” up for Best Original Song. Though the song took home the Oscar by the end of that night’s broadcast, the actual award went to songwriters Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, as performers are not considered for awards. That said, the following year, Bryson and Dion won the Grammy for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for their work on the song.

Bryson took home his second Grammy in 1994 for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals in 1994, alongside Belle, for “A Whole New World” from “Aladdin.” The song also won the Oscar for Best Original Song the same year, though the award was again given to composer Alan Menken and lyricist Tim Rice.

In 2025, Bryson took part in a multi-city celebration tour, titled “Peabo Bryson: The Golden Touch Tour,” in honor of his 50 years in music.

Details on the celebration of life and memorial arrangements will be announced at a later date.

Bryson is survived by his wife, Tanya Boniface Bryson; their son, Robert; his daughter, Linda Bryson; and his three grandkids.

Listen to Bryson’s renditions of some of his most famous works below.

“One Life to Live” Theme Song (1985-1991)

“Beauty and the Beast” With Celine Dion

“A Whole New World” With Regina Belle

“Feel The Fire” / “I’m So Into You” / “Tonight I Celebrate My Love”

Note: The post Peabo Bryson, Singer Of Iconic ‘One Life To Live’ Theme Song, Disney Favorites ‘A Whole New World’ & ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ Dies At 75 first appeared on Soap Opera Network.

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R.I.P. to him. I remember him singing Joe and Kelly's theme on Santa Barbara, too.

And the Bo & Hope theme

Edited 17 hours ago17 hr by janea4old

RIP to a legendary performer with a voice that could stir your heart. There wasn't one ballad of his that I didn't love, especially "A Whole New World" and "Tonight, I Celebrate My Love."

Without question one of the best male pop singers ever.

RIP.

I really love that OLTL theme song, and of course many of his other hits.

wow! RIP! 🥺 I've always been more familiar with him through Disney, but Obviously I don't have the history of OLTL like a lot of you do on here, but I always loved the theme song and do listen to it from time to time! Definitely one of the best Soap Themes IMO!

3 hours ago, CrazySexyQ said:

RIP to a legendary performer with a voice that could stir your heart. There wasn't one ballad of his that I didn't love, especially "A Whole New World" and "Tonight, I Celebrate My Love."

The first song I think of when I hear the name Peabo Bryson is "If Ever You're in My Arms Again" which was Joe and Kelly's theme on Santa Barbara.

Damn. This is a tough one.

I was really hoping that he would recover.

I hope he knew how much he meant to the Soap universe, and to the Disney universe too.

RIP

6 hours ago, Xanthe said:

The first song I think of when I hear the name Peabo Bryson is "If Ever You're in My Arms Again" which was Joe and Kelly's theme on Santa Barbara.

That's another favorite of mine. His voice was made for ballads.

It's always sad whenever we lose a great artist; and make no mistake, Peabo Bryson was one of the greatest. His was the kind of smooth, sophisticated R&B - "R&B for grown-ups," as many would call it - that you don't hear too often on the radio anymore. A reminder of when music was about expressing the tenderest emotions and not about settin' it off in da clubz.

Peabo Bryson brought so much passion and joy to so many of our most intimate moments...and yes, he definitely will be missed.

RIP Mr. Bryson. Thank you for the music, and may God be with your loved ones always.

3 hours ago, CrazySexyQ said:

His voice was made for ballads.

I agree.

Mama Khan and I were discussing last night about how there so few R&B/Soul artists left from her generation. It's a sad fact, but I keep hoping younger generations will keep coming around and keep discovering (or rediscovering) the music from yesteryear. This music has GOT to stay alive, or we really are doomed.

15 minutes ago, Khan said:

A reminder of when music was about expressing the tenderest emotions and not about settin' it off in da clubz.

❤️

In recent years I really grew to appreciate the 80s OLTL theme song. I also grew to appreciate Mr. Bryson's rich vocals in the Beauty and the Beast theme. RIP to the voice behind one of the greatest soap theme songs ever made.