The entertainment industry is mourning the loss of one of its most influential voices. Trailblazing celebrity journalist, syndicated columnist, radio host, television personality, and author Florence “Flo” Anthony has died at the age of 74 following a battle with cancer.
According to reports from the New York Amsterdam News, Anthony passed away on August 6, according to Jack Hirsch, biographer for her husband, former heavyweight boxing champion Michael Spinks.
Anthony’s passing comes just seven months after marrying Spinks in a civil ceremony at a New York City courthouse on January 6, 2026. The couple had shared a remarkable love story, having been together since 1987 before officially tying the knot earlier this year.
A proud graduate of Howard University and longtime resident of East Harlem, Anthony spent more than four decades breaking barriers in entertainment journalism. She made history as the first African American reporter to work in the famed Page Six gossip department of the New York Post and later became the first African American celebrity columnist for The National Examiner.
Her signature syndicated column, “Go With the Flo,” became a staple of the New York Amsterdam News for more than 20 years while also appearing in publications including the Philadelphia Sunday Sun, Columbus Times, BRE Magazine, and the Oklahoma Eagle. She also contributed to the New York Daily News’ Confidential column and served as publisher and editor-in-chief of Black Noir magazine and editor-in-chief of Black Elegance magazine.
Before becoming one of entertainment’s most recognizable journalists, Anthony worked as a publicist for boxing legends including Muhammad Ali, Larry Holmes, Michael Spinks, Mike McCallum, Matthew Saad Muhammad, and legendary promoter Butch Lewis.
Known for her unmatched celebrity connections and insider reporting, Anthony covered some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, O.J. Simpson, and Donald Trump. Her expertise made her a familiar face on television, with appearances on Entertainment Tonight, Inside Edition, The Insider, CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, HLN, Court TV, and numerous daytime talk shows hosted by Joan Rivers, Ricki Lake, Geraldo Rivera, Sally Jessy Raphael, Maury Povich, and many others.
Anthony also hosted the programs “Gossip To Go With Flo” and “Flo Anthony’s Big Apple Buzz,” further cementing her place as one of the industry’s premier entertainment journalists.
In addition to her journalism career, Anthony was an accomplished author, publishing four novels, including Keeping Secrets, Telling Lies and Last Call for a Deadly Diva.
Flo Anthony leaves behind a legacy of breaking racial barriers in entertainment media while inspiring generations of journalists to follow in her footsteps. Her fearless reporting, vibrant personality, and lasting contributions to celebrity journalism will not be forgotten.
The Y’all Know What family extends our heartfelt prayers and deepest condolences to Michael Spinks, her loved ones, friends, colleagues, and everyone whose lives she touched. May she rest in eternal peace.
