Franklin died after years of declining health
The Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin has died at the age of 76. The singer passed away earlier Thursday (Aug 16th) at her home in Detroit with hospice and surrounded by family and friends. The cause of death was from pancreatic cancer, her family confirms.
“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 family says in a statement.
Earlier this week, it was reported that Franklin was “gravely ill” after years of declining health. She was down to 86 pounds and a source had said “she could go anytime.”
“Aretha Franklin was an incomparable artist who came to be recognized as one of the most profound voices in music,” states the Recording Academy’s Neil Portnow. “Her distinctive sound, unforgettable recordings, and giving spirit will continue to be celebrated worldwide. Aretha will be dearly missed, and our thoughts go out to her loved ones during this difficult time.”
During her six-decade career Franklin earned 44 GRAMMY nominations, 18 GRAMMY Awards (her first in 1976 for “Respect), and was recognized by the Recording Academy on several occasions for her remarkable accomplishments as an artist and philanthropist. She was a recipient of the Recording Academy’s GRAMMY Legend Award in 1991, the Lifetime Achievement Award in 1994, and as the 2008 MusiCares Person of the Year for her extraordinary artistic achievements and charitable efforts, among many other accolades.
Her many hits include “Respect,” “A Natural Woman (You Make Me Feel Like),” and “Think.” She went on to win many more awards and influence countless musicians.
The singer announced her retirement last year stating she wouldn’t perform after 2017. Her final performance was on November 2, 2017 for the Elton John AIDS Foundation in New York. Her last public performance was at Philadelphia’s Mann Center in August 2017 during which she was fighting exhaustion and dehydration.
Our thoughts go out to Franklin’s family and many artists have taken to social media to share theirs.
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
"What an other worldly talent. Legendary. Right up there with the greatest singers ever. She will be greatly missed. Irreplaceable." #QueenOfSoul #ArethaFranklin pic.twitter.com/vle4XrBExw
— Bob Seger (@BobSeger) August 16, 2018
The loss of @ArethaFranklin is a blow for everybody who loves real music: Music from the heart, the soul and the Church. Her voice was unique, her piano playing underrated – she was one of my favourite pianists. pic.twitter.com/ug5oZYywAz
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) August 16, 2018
I was fortunate enough to spend time with her and witness her last performance – a benefit for @ejaf at St John The Divine Cathedral. She was obviously unwell, and I wasn’t sure she could perform. But Aretha did and she raised the roof.
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) August 16, 2018
She sang and played magnificently, and we all wept. We were witnessing the greatest soul artist of all time. I adored her and worshipped her talent. God bless her. My condolences to all her family and friends. We shared the same birthday – and that meant so much to me.
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) August 16, 2018
I’ve had so many influences in my life, and one of them is the Queen of Soul. Rest In Peace, Aretha. I’ll sing this one for you. https://t.co/GcwwWioHsl
— Reba (@reba) August 16, 2018
The Queen of Soul has left this earth to sit on her throne in heaven. How blessed we were to hear the best that God had to offer in her voice. RESPECT!
?: Mark Seliger pic.twitter.com/v9OxtyrZ74— Lenny Kravitz (@LennyKravitz) August 16, 2018
An unbelievable woman and voice. It was an honor to meet and perform with the Queen of Soul. RIP Aretha Franklin ❤️?https://t.co/BQBtdPuoZO
— Shania Twain ? (@ShaniaTwain) August 16, 2018
Lady Soul. The first woman inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fane, Aretha Franklin was an artist of passion, sophistication and command, whose recordings remain anthems that defined soul music. Long live the Queen. pic.twitter.com/V3khKRPyX5
— Rock Hall (@rockhall) August 16, 2018
A friend of mine promoted an Aretha show in 1997. She asked to see the “man with the money” before she started the show. He gave her the performance fee in cash. She put the cash in her bra, walked on the stage, and destroyed the place.
— Jason Narducy (@SplitSingleband) August 16, 2018
No one like her. So important to music, culture, civil rights. THE QUEEN OF SOUL.
— Ricky Martin (@ricky_martin) August 16, 2018
Today we have lost one of the greatest. She will always be remembered and admired. Aretha Franklin, rest in peace. We love you.
— Ricky Martin (@ricky_martin) August 16, 2018
Aretha. Thankyou for blessing us with your greatness.?
— Garbage (@garbage) August 16, 2018
Rest in paradise Aretha Franklin. Thank you for your energy ??✨
— Cyn Santana (@Cyn_Santana) August 16, 2018
