American soul singer Aretha Franklin, a star on the Atlantic record label.Express Newspapers/Getty Images
Aretha Franklin, a cultural icon around the world, has died aged 76
Singing icon Aretha Franklin has passed away aged 76. The “Respect” star, who had been battling against pancreatic cancer, died in her home in Detroit on Thursday at 9.50 am.
The Queen of Soul stood as a cultural icon around the globe, only retiring from music last year despite her 2010 cancer diagnosis. Her final performance was given just last November at a New York Gala for the Elton John Aids Foundation.
Aretha Franklin performs onstage at the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
Her publicist Gwendolyn Quinn said in a family statement: “Franklin’s official cause of death was due to advance pancreatic cancer of the neuroendocrine type, which was confirmed by Franklin’s oncologist, Dr. Philip Phillips of Karmanos Cancer Institute [in Detroit].
“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,” the family added.
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“We have been deeply touched by the incredible outpouring of love and support we have received from close friends, supporters and fans all around the world.
“Thank you for your compassion and prayers. We have felt your love for Aretha and it brings us comfort to know that her legacy will live on.
“As we grieve, we ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time.”
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The Beatles’ star Paul McCartney, who has Irish roots, led the wave of tributes to the singer:
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
Aretha Franklin, 'The Queen of Soul' has died at 76.
RIP pic.twitter.com/VH5i4Qfuyl
— RTÉ 2FM (@RTE2fm) August 16, 2018
Remember that Aretha Franklin toured with @harrybelafonte and Dr. King in 1967 -- when times were tough for MLK -- and tried to post bail for Angela Davis. Her voice and her values can live on in all of us.
— Joan Walsh (@joanwalsh) August 16, 2018
How Aretha Franklin inspired the civil rights movement https://t.co/cJ8jOjZDUP pic.twitter.com/U3Bsm29p0Z
— RTÉ Brainstorm (@RTEBrainstorm) August 16, 2018
Mourning the loss today of @ArethaFranklin who shared her spirit and talent with the world. She deserves not only our RESPECT but also our lasting gratitude for opening our eyes, ears and hearts. Rest in eternal peace, my friend.
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) August 16, 2018
Aretha Franklin's legendary career included Grammy wins, Hall of Fame inductions, and presidential inaugurations. The Queen of Soul will forever be remembered as not just a music icon, but a part of American history pic.twitter.com/9h6U9BmMQy
— NowThis (@nowthisnews) August 16, 2018
Funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days.