Smith lost a year-long fight with colon cancer.
"She died at 3:10 this morning... She was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer last year September and did the surgery in early October [2020]. She did chemo, radiation and nothing helped," her husband of 32 years, Jackie Jackson told the Jamaica Observer newspaper.
Jackson, one of reggae's great bass players, helped harness his wife's career. He produced "Wide Awake in A Dream", her 1986 cover of a song originally done by American soul singer Jerry Jackson.
It was one of the songs that announced her. Smith did many songs, largely covers of jazz and pop standards including a Sly and Robbie-produced version of Lulu's "Oh Me, Oh My".
At the time of her cancer diagnosis, Smith was president of the Jamaica Federation of Musicians. She was also a member of harmony trio Package with Gem Myers and Patricia Edwards.
Much of Smith's career as cabaret artist was spent in Montego Bay. That tourist city's mayor, Leeroy Williams, paid tribute to her.
"Apart from being an affable person and one of Jamaica's foremost female singers, Karen was a fighter as even during her illness, she showed true grit and determination and a will to win. Jamaica and in particular Montego Bay and specifically the entertainment industry has lost a stalwart, a gem and a consummate professional whose shoes will not be easily filled. Karen Smith was an entertainer of the highest order," he said.
Karen Smith is survived by her husband, daughter, mother and three stepchildren.
Written By Howard Campbell