By RUTH KINANE
Stars are paying tribute to the Queen of Soul following Aretha Franklin’s death Thursday at the age of 76.
Reports that the beloved singer, 76, was gravely ill surfaced earlier in the week before the news of her passing was confirmed by her family on Thursday morning. A statement released by her loved ones described Franklin as “the matriarch and rock of our family” and went onto say her her death was “one of the darkest moments of our lives”.
Starting out as a gospel singer, Franklin rose to fame in the 1960s, wowing audiences with her powerful and incomparable vocals. She remains one of the most successful musicians of all time, with 73 titles on Billboard’s Hot 100 and 100 entries on Billboard’s R&B singles chart. Her best known song is perhaps her cover of Otis Redding’s classic Respect, as well as other hits such as “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” and “Think.” She received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1979, and was the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.
Fans of the legendary singer shared statements and took to social media to pay their respects to the late Franklin, including many celebrities. See a selection of the tributes below.
Patti LaBelle
✔@MsPattiPatti
Rest in peace Aretha.
John Legend
✔@johnlegend
Salute to the Queen. The greatest vocalist I’ve ever known.
#Aretha
Andy Cohen
✔@Andy
There will never be another Queen of Soul. Aretha Franklin is the embodiment of a soul blessed with a special gift. Grateful we have decades of recordings that will live on. Long Live The Queen. #RIPAretha
shonda rhimes
✔@shondarhimes
Aretha.
Lin-Manuel Miranda
✔@Lin_Manuel
Lucky enough to have seen Aretha live exactly once, and this was it.
Thank you for the music, we will be listening to you forever https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XHsnZT7Z2yQ …
Carole King
✔@Carole_King
What a life. What a legacy!
So much love, respect and gratitude.
R.I.P. @ArethaFranklin https://bit.ly/1jpMKz2
Barbra Streisand
✔@BarbraStreisand
This photo was taken in 2012 when Aretha & I performed at a tribute celebration for our friend Marvin Hamlisch. It’s difficult to conceive of a world without her. Not only was she a uniquely brilliant singer,but her commitment to civil rights made an indelible impact on the world
Clive Davis
✔@CliveDavis
I’m absolutely devastated by Aretha’s passing. She was truly one of a kind. She was more than the Queen of Soul. She was a national treasure to be cherished by every generation throughout the world. (1/2)
Ricky Martin
✔@ricky_martin
Today we have lost one of the greatest. She will always be remembered and admired. Aretha Franklin, rest in peace. We love you.
Lena Waithe
✔@LenaWaithe
The world won’t be the same without you in it.
You will always have our utmost respect. #RipArethaFranklin
Hugh Jackman
✔@RealHughJackman
One of the highlights of my career was singing with #ArethaFranklin at The Tony Awards. It was an out of body experience for me. One of greatest singers of all time. You will be missed by all. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=csm3A80M9qA …
Idina Menzel
✔@idinamenzel
Goodbye Ms. Aretha. You were my idol. The greatest singer of all time. Every note you sang was pure and authentic and pierced our hearts with joy and pain and life.
Chance The Rapper
✔@chancetherapper
The moment I wake up, before I put on my make up, I say a little prayer for you
Liam Gallagher
✔@liamgallagher
RIP Aretha Franklin what a voice x
Lester Holt
✔@LesterHoltNBC
Feeling overwhelmingly sad. Thank you Aretha Franklin for the gift of your voice and your soul. Rest in peace.
Christina Aguilera
✔@xtina
Aretha was such a timeless inspiration to me and so many others, the ultimate queen, thank you for the gift of your voice, music and unshakeable soul
Paul McCartney
✔@PaulMcCartney
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
Elton John
✔@eltonofficial
The loss of @ArethaFranklin is a blow for everybody who loves real music: Music from the heart, the soul and the Church. Her voice was unique, her piano playing underrated – she was one of my favourite pianists.
Hillary Clinton
✔@HillaryClinton
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.
Ms. Ross
✔@DianaRoss
I’m sitting in prayer for the wonderful golden spirit Aretha Franklin.
Tony Bennett
✔@itstonybennett
It was a double thrill for me to perform on the stage of the Metropolitan Opera on my 85th birthday and have the Queen of Soul (and heart) Aretha Franklin singing with me….she will be missed by the world.
Faith Hill
✔@FaithHill
The choir of angels now have the greatest voice of all time to lead, praise and join in to sing before Jesus. I wanted to share this photo because it shows just how soulful Aretha was without uttering a word. To say I was humbled to be in her presence would be an understatement.
Kathy Griffin✔@kathygriffinRest In Peace, Queen
For more acknowledgements follow this link: www.ew.com
