The Associated Press has reported that Aretha Franklin has passed away at the age of 76.
Aretha’s publicist Gwendolyn Quin confirmed that she had died at her home in Detroit.
According to Fredericksburg.com, Aretha’s longtime publicist released a statement saying that Aretha had died after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
The statement also thanked fans for their support during the singer’s illness, saying: “We have felt your love for Aretha and it brings us comfort to know that her legacy will live on.”
The singer, who was known fondly as the Queen Of Soul, brought her fans hits like Respect and I Say A Little Prayer during a successful career that spanned over 6 decades. She won 18 Grammy Awards and was nominated for the honour 44 times.
Her profile on the Grammys website states that Aretha supported a large number of charities and advocacy organisations, including the NAACP, the Special Olympics, Feeding America, The Rainforest Foundation, and the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes.
Aretha once said: “Being a singer is a natural gift. It means I’m using to the highest degree possible, the gift that God gave me to use. I’m happy with that.”
Celebs have taken to Twitter to pay their respects to Aretha:
The whole world will miss her but will always rejoice in her remarkable legacy. The Queen is dead. Long live the Queen. #RIPArethaFranklin
Elton xx
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) August 16, 2018
Remember when she stepped in last minute for Pavarotti at the Grammys and just shook us all to our core and made us question the universe by singing Nessun Dorma? #RipArethaFranklin https://t.co/Fg5tbxpl9R
— shonda rhimes (@shondarhimes) August 16, 2018
#RipArethaFranklin it was an honor meeting you, you will always be my idol! ❤️?? pic.twitter.com/zf2zNnlfRG
— Christina Aguilera (@xtjna) August 13, 2018
Aretha Franklin. The Queen of Soul.
The First Woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.
What A Performer. What A Gift. What A Life. ❤??#Respect #RipArethaFranklin pic.twitter.com/UZb007unJL
— Maps Maponyane (@MapsMaponyane) August 16, 2018
Thank you for the music Aretha Franklin. It inspired and gave confidence to many, particularly women. Heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues. #RipArethaFranklin pic.twitter.com/WbptGmt2Vd
— Prof Thuli Madonsela (@ThuliMadonsela3) August 16, 2018
Thank you for the music Aretha Franklin. It inspired and gave confidence to many, particularly women. Heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues. #RipArethaFranklin pic.twitter.com/WbptGmt2Vd
— Prof Thuli Madonsela (@ThuliMadonsela3) August 16, 2018
