Iconic Aretha Franklin, Queen of Soul, Passes Away at 76

Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, passed away on Thursday August 16th at her home in Detroit, MI, the Associated Press reports. She was surrounded by family and friends. She was 76.

Aretha Franklin dies at 76

Franklin was battling an unknown illness for years, and in recent weeks, it was reported the icon was gravely ill.

“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,” the singer’s family said in a statement to the Associated Press.

“We have lost the matriarch and rock of our family. The love she had for her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins knew no bounds.”

The family added: “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 love she had for her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins knew no bounds.”

Franklin’s last public performance was in June 2017 where she closed out a free concert in Detroit with the message: “God bless you, God keep you, keep me in your prayers.”

Her musical roots started as a child in church

Born in Memphis, TN, Franklin’s musical roots started as a child singing in the church, and during her career she crossed various music genres.

Aretha Franklin was the Queen of Soul

Franklin was dubbed the “Queen of Soul” but also shone in jazz, gospel, blues, and R&B. Her talent was beyond singing as she was also a songwriter and pianist.

Over the course of her career, Franklin received multiple honors, including The National Medal of Arts and The Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Aretha Franklin is survived by her four sons: Clarence, Edward, Ted, and Kecalf.

What a life well live. We send our condolences to her family and friends.