Image from CBS News.
Amanda Naccarato | Celebrity
The ‘Queen of Soul’ gospel singer best known for her songs ‘Respect’ and ‘Natural Woman’ has died.
Aretha Franklin, who became the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, passed away early this morning at her home in Detroit with her family and friends by her side.
Franklin’s passing comes with deep sadness as reports earlier this week from the singer’s publicist Gwendolyn Quinn confirmed that the 76-year-old had been gravely ill, battling pancreatic cancer.
Quinn released a statement this morning on behalf of the family which reads in part, “We have lost the matriarch and rock of our family.”
Celebrities, including fellow singers Elton John and Paul McCartney, have already taken to social media to send their condolences and celebrate their memories of the singer.
The soul singer has left a tremendous legacy behind and will be dearly missed by all those she has touched with her love and music.