The legendary Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin has died. Franklin’s publicist confirmed she passed on Thursday morning, August 16, according to The Associated Press.
On Wednesday, CNN reported Franklin was admitted into hospice care at her Detroit home. She'd been battling pancreatic cancer.
Earlier reports circulated that Franklin had fallen "gravely ill." Franklin's health was known to have been declining since she announced the termination of her tours in February 2017. However, the legend didn't stop booking concerts and, unfortunately, has had to cancel several performances this year, including playing the New Orleans Jazz Fest, according to Rolling Stone.
A source close to the singer told Entertainment Tonight the iconic songstress was "at peace with her journey."
The 76-year-old's incredible career spans nearly 60 years, and her accolades almost just as long. She blessed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s memorial service in 1968 with her sweet, soulful voice and nearly two decades later became the first woman inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Her timeless hits like "Respect," "Ain't No Way," "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman," have been and will be passed down from generation to generation.
Many celebrities paid their respects to the iconic diva once news of her illness surfaced, including Beyoncé and Jay-Z who honored her at their most recent OTR II show in Detroit. Others paid homage via Twitter:
Let's keep sending love to my dear friend, Aretha Franklin. Here is the Queen of Soul and my buddy, Smokey Robinson, back in the day on Soul Train. I love this. pic.twitter.com/FruKCtBLGQ— Judge Greg Mathis (@JudgeGregMathis) August 15, 2018
Sending up prayers for the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin and her family.— Emmitt Smith (@EmmittSmith22) August 15, 2018
I'm over here celebrating the life and legacy of The Queen of Soul, #ArethaFranklin, by listening to the "Sparkle" soundtrack. Who else saw the original? My favorites: "Jump" and "Giving Him Something He Can Feel." pic.twitter.com/3DCtJRidiQ— rolandsmartin (@rolandsmartin) August 15, 2018
Silky smooth! When singing was singing. Clear, natural, iconic voices…#ArethaFranklin #SmokeyRobinson #DonCornelius #SoulTrain #PrayersUp pic.twitter.com/oGLILbIl0N— Mario Lopez (@MarioLopezExtra) August 15, 2018
Her music played in my house, at picnics, cookouts, parties, the car daily as a child. @ArethaFranklin is a major staple in the soundtrack to my childhood & now. Thinking of her& her family today. #Aretha Aretha Franklin – Ain't No Way [1968] https://t.co/brNqmH6j9k via @YouTube— Don Lemon (@donlemon) August 15, 2018
Other celebrities have made visits to Franklin's home, such as Stevie Wonder and Jesse Jackson Sr., according to Reuters.
We visited and prayed with @ArethaFranklin today. Please continue to keep her in your prayers. Ask that God's richest blessings be bestowed upon her. pic.twitter.com/zHyVjlNz6M— Rev Jesse Jackson Sr (@RevJJackson) August 15, 2018
Franklin's spokesperson, Gwendolyn Quinn, said the Queen was "surrounded by family members who appreciate the outpouring of love and support they have received.”
Now, check these out:
Beyoncé and Jay-Z Dedicate Detroit Show To Ailing Aretha Franklin
