‘Queen of Soul’ Aretha Franklin dead at 76
The music world is mourning the death of soul singer Aretha Franklin who has died at the age of 76.
The Queen of Soul passed away in Detroit following a long battle with pancreatic cancer.
Franklin recorded her first gospel album at the age of 14, launching a career that would span decades.
She had a string of hits and soul anthems including Respect, I Say a Little Prayer and A Natural Woman and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.
Franklin was reportedly surrounded by her family who had gathered in Detroit following news the singer was ‘gravely ill’ earlier this week.
Her family has released a statement expressing their grief.
“In one of the darkest moments of our lives, we are not able to find the appropriate words to express the pain in our heart. We have lost the matriarch and rock of our family.”
Her death has sparked an outpouring of emotion among fellow singers and prominent Americans.
Beatles legend Paul McCartney took to Twitter to urge people to give thanks for the ‘beautiful life of Aretha Franklin, the Queen of our Souls.’
Lady Gaga described her as a legend and says her soul will never be forgotten.
US President Donald Trump said Franklin was a great woman with a wonderful gift from God, her voice.
In a statement, former US President Barack Obama and wife Michelle said “she helped us feel more connected to each other, more hopeful, more human.
And sometimes she helped us just forget about everything else and dance.”
Let’s all take a moment to give thanks for the beautiful life of Aretha Franklin, the Queen of our souls, who inspired us all for many many years. She will be missed but the memory of her greatness as a musician and a fine human being will live with us forever. Love Paul pic.twitter.com/jW4Gpwfdts
— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) August 16, 2018
Watching Aretha Franklin perform at the White House, and on so many other occasions, made time stand still. @BarackObama and I are holding Aretha’s family in our hearts right now. She will forever be our Queen of Soul. pic.twitter.com/NhHsbKijpl
— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) August 16, 2018
The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, is dead. She was a great woman, with a wonderful gift from God, her voice. She will be missed!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 16, 2018
What beautiful music and vocal artistry you gave to the world. You are a legend and your soul will never be forgotten. Rest in peace angel of music. #ArethaFranklin pic.twitter.com/ab8fmIhp4o
— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) August 16, 2018
