Aretha Franklin,“Queen of Soul” whose unmistakable, booming voice helped define music and provided a motivational soundtrack for Civil Rights-era struggles, has been pronounced dead after a battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 76.
The singer has influenced generations for over six decades of iconic music, which came full circle with her enduring talent, activism and patriotism on full display in 2009 when she once again inspired a nation, performing songs such as "My Country, 'Tis Of Thee" at President Obama's first inauguration.
Franklin's family, the music industry and the world mourned the monumental loss Thursday.
"It is with deep and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Aretha Louise Franklin," her family said via a statement issued by her longtime representative. "Franklin ... passed away on Thursday morning, August 16 at 9:50 a.m. at her home in Detroit, MI, surrounded by family and loved ones. Franklin’s official cause of death was due to advance pancreatic cancer of the neuroendocrine type."
From the loss "one of the darkest moments of our lives," family members said they "are not able to find the right words to express the pain in our heart."
"We have lost the matriarch and rock of our family. The love she had for her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousin knew no bounds,” they said. Continues “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.”
Funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days, which was also included in the statements.
Known simply by first name, Franklin was a cultural icon whose career sprouted for over six decades and traversed various genres of music, from gospel to R&B to pop to opera.
Among her countless hit songs were the soul classics, "Respect," "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman," "Chain of Fools," "I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)," and "Think." Other hits included "Daydreaming" and "I Say a Little Prayer."
Well what a fulfilled 76years lived.
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I say a little prayer by Arthea Franklin
Rip Arthea Franklin❤🙏
we will all remember your legacy
Aretha Franklin,“Queen of Soul” whose unmistakable, booming voice helped define music and provided a motivational soundtrack for Civil Rights-era struggles, has been pronounced dead after a battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 76.
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