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:
Salute to the Queen. The greatest vocalist I've ever known. ???????????????????????????????????????? #Aretha
— John Legend (@johnlegend) August 16, 2018
“Looking out on the morning rain
I used to feel so uninspired
And when I knew
I had to face another day
Lord, it made me feel so tired
Before the day I met you
Life was so unkind
But you’re the key to
My peace of mind.”
Her voice/swagger was peerless.
Thank you, #ArethaFranklin
pic.twitter.com/5gp0OP10Jf— Ava DuVernay (@ava) August 16, 2018
The world won’t be the same without you in it.
You will always have our utmost respect. #RipArethaFranklin
pic.twitter.com/0DMI3PZfjI— Lena Waithe (@LenaWaithe) August 16, 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
