Tributes have poured in for the beloved and iconic singer Aretha Franklin from friends, musicians, politicians and fans after the legendary “Queen of Soul” died aged 76.“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,” singer and actress Barbra Streisand tweeted about Franklin, who died on Thursday after a history-making career that spanned six decades.
“I’m sitting in prayer for the wonderful golden spirit Aretha Franklin,” said Motown legend Diana Ross, while former Beatle Paul McCartney called her “the Queen of our souls.”
Franklin influenced generations of female singers with unforgettable hits including “Respect” (1967), “Natural Woman” (1968) and “I Say a Little Prayer” (1968).
The 18-time Grammy award winner cemented her place in US music history with a powerful, bell-clear voice that stretched over four octaves. In a career crossing generations, her hits spanned from soul and R&B, to gospel and pop.
After a long battle with pancreatic cancer, Franklin passed away Thursday morning surrounded by her family and loved ones at her Detroit home, her family said in a statement issued by her publicist.
“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 statement said.
The family thanked fans around the world for their “incredible outpouring of love” since it emerged earlier this week that she was gravely ill.
Fans mourning the death of Franklin left balloons, flowers and mementos at Detroit’s New Bethel Baptist Church, where as a child the star kicked off her storied career singing gospel.
Reverend Charles Turner described her passing as a “Great loss – can’t nobody replace her,” adding that the grief felt by mourners was akin to the loss of a parent.
And in California similar tributes quickly amassed on Franklin’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Franklin’s death came on the same day that fellow US music giant Elvis Presley died 41 years ago at his home in Memphis, the city where Franklin was born, reports agencies.
