‘Queen of Soul’ Aretha Franklin dies at 76

Legendary singer Aretha Franklin has died at home in Detroit, aged 76. Franklin’s cause of death was advanced pancreatic cancer, her publicist confirmed to the Associated Press.

“It is with deep and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Aretha Louise Franklin, the Queen of Soul,” her family said in a statement.

“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. The love she had for her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins knew no bounds.”

Tributes are pouring in from the entertainment world following the death of the ‘Queen of Soul’.

Barbra Streisand shared a photo of herself performing with Franklin in 2012, writing: “It’s difficult to conceive of a world without her. Not only was she a uniquely brilliant singer, but her commitment to civil rights made an indelible impact on the world.”

This photo was taken in 2012 when Aretha & I performed at a tribute celebration for our friend Marvin Hamlisch. It’s difficult to conceive of a world without her. Not only was she a uniquely brilliant singer,but her commitment to civil rights made an indelible impact on the world pic.twitter.com/Px9zVB90MM

— Barbra Streisand (@BarbraStreisand) August 16, 2018

Former Beatle Paul McCartney said on Twitter: “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.”

Singer Elton Joh said: “The whole world will miss her but will always rejoice in her remarkable legacy. The Queen is dead. Long live the Queen.”

Michelle Obama said in a statement: “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.”

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

Franklin was known for her powerful voice and for many hits, including ‘Respect’, ‘(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman’, ‘Chain of Fools’ and ‘Think’. She won 18 Grammy Awards and became the first woman to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 and in 2010.

Read more: Aretha Franklin’s family gives update on star’s health

Franklin’s declining health was first disclosed on the Showbiz 411 website late on Monday by Roger Friedman, a reporter and family friend. He wrote that she was “gravely ill in Detroit. The family is asking for prayers and privacy.”

What is your favourite memory of Aretha Franklin Do you have a message for her family?