DETROIT, MI – As news circulated of the death of Aretha Franklin on Thursday morning, friends, fans and family from around the world began sharing their memories and tributes to the Queen of Soul. Former first lady and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, singer Smokey Robinson and John Legend were among the first to voice their respect for singer.
Franklin, the “Queen of Soul” whose rich soulful voice transcended popular music genres and touched countless generations of music lovers, died of advanced pancreatic cancer. She was 76.
Smokey Robinson tweeted, “This morning my longest friend in this world went home to be with our Father. I will miss her so much but I know she’s at peace.”
This morning my longest friend in this world went home to be with our Father. I will miss her so much but I know she’s at peace. #QueenOfSoul pic.twitter.com/UatS3U3YXe
— Smokey Robinson (@smokey_robinson) August 16, 2018
Beatles frontman Paul McCartney tweeted, “Let’s all take a moment and give thanks for the beautiful life of Aretha Franklin, the Queen of our souls, who inspired us 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.”
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
Singer Patti LaBelle called Franklin her “sister in song” and “rare treasure.”
Rest in peace Aretha. ❤ pic.twitter.com/QT7HeY5SIf
— Patti LaBelle (@MsPattiPatti) August 16, 2018
>>> Aretha Franklin Is Dead: Queen of Soul Had Pancreatic Cancer
Her last performance was in November at the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
SAY A LITTLE PRAYER: #ArethaFranklin’s final public performance was at the 25th anniversary of #EltonJohn’s AIDS Foundation in New York on 7 November 2017. pic.twitter.com/tXWkEuourf
— AP Entertainment (@APEntertainment) August 16, 2018
On Thursday morning, John tweeted that her death “is a blow for everybody who loves real music.” He said she was one of his favorite pianists.
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. pic.twitter.com/ug5oZYywAz
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) August 16, 2018
Singer Bette Midler tweeted, “The greatest voice in American popular music has been stilled.”
The greatest voice in American popular music has been stilled. Our beloved #ArethaFranklin has gone. For me, she was a musical lighthouse, guiding and inspiring with every note. I loved her so and love her still. Goodbye, Queen of Soul.
— Bette Midler (@BetteMidler) August 16, 2018
Another iconic singer-songwriter, Barbra Streisand tweeted that “It’s difficult to conceive a world without her.”
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 pic.twitter.com/Px9zVB90MM
— Barbra Streisand (@BarbraStreisand) August 16, 2018
“What a life. What a legacy!” tweeted out Carole King.
What a life. What a legacy!
So much love, respect and gratitude.
R.I.P. @ArethaFranklin https://t.co/400K1U5IHI
— Carole King (@Carole_King) August 16, 2018
“Absolute and thorough soul through and through,” tweeted jazz great Wynton Marsalis.
President Donald Trump offered his sympathies, as well, tweeting “She was a great woman, with a wonderful gift from God, her voice. She will be missed!”
The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, is dead. She was a great woman, with a wonderful gift from God, her voice. She will be missed!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 16, 2018
Meanwhile, former first lady and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton tweeted, “She deserves not only our RESPECT but also our lasting gratitude for opening our eyes, ears and hearts. Rest in eternal peace, my friend.”
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
Hip-hop star Missy Elliott tweeted, “I imagine u in heaven performing & still making people souls move this was my aunt favorite record.”
Rest easy #ARETHAFRANKLIN I imagine u in heaven performing & still making people souls move this was my aunt favorite record #RockSteady you will always be the Queen of Soul you been that before many of us were born! Thank you for giving us LEGENDARY TIMELESS music pic.twitter.com/bEueBCLGJ9
— Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) August 16, 2018
Hugh Jackman recalled one of the highlights of his career was singing with Franklin at the Tony Awards.
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://t.co/L8dIIhyR9Y
— Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) August 16, 2018
Christina Aguilera tweeted “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.”
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 pic.twitter.com/me3FXBY4WZ
— Christina Aguilera (@xtina) August 16, 2018
Salute to the Queen. The greatest vocalist I’ve ever known,” tweeted singer John Legend.
Salute to the Queen. The greatest vocalist I’ve ever known. #Aretha
— John Legend (@johnlegend) August 16, 2018
Detroit rocker Bob Seger called her an “other worldly talent.”
“What an other worldly talent. Legendary. Right up there with the greatest singers ever. She will be greatly missed. Irreplaceable.” #QueenOfSoul #ArethaFranklin pic.twitter.com/vle4XrBExw
— Bob Seger (@BobSeger) August 16, 2018
More tweets:
One of a kind. Thank you Queen. #ArethaFranklin
— Sara Bareilles (@SaraBareilles) August 16, 2018
So sad to hear about #ArethaFranklin passing. An extraordinary artist who used her talent to lift up others around her. Rest In Peace to the #QueenofSoul. pic.twitter.com/tAo6CDnBYJ
— Reese Witherspoon (@RWitherspoon) August 16, 2018
Today we wish the soul that was Aretha on it’s way. I am joyful for it’s transcendence and grateful for the expressions #Aretha gave us!
She was a true flute for the breath of the Force. #ArethaFranklin pic.twitter.com/rCWtoCBC6F
— Ann Wilson (@AnnWilson) August 16, 2018
Photo: Singer Aretha Franklin performs the national anthem before the Detroit Pistons take on the Los Angeles Lakers in game five of the 2004 NBA Finals on June 15, 2004 at The Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Michigan. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)