Chance the Rapper, Gucci Mane, John Legend, Kelly Rowland and More Remember Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul

On Thursday morning, Queen of Soul and icon Aretha Franklin passed away surrounded by family at her home in Detroit. Celebrities are now mourning and paying tribute to the late icon.

Aug 16, 2018
Aretha Franklin tribute
Getty

Image via Getty/Nicholas Hunt

Aretha Franklin tribute
Getty

Image via Getty/Nicholas Hunt

On Thursday morning, the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin passed away surrounded by family at her home in Detroit.

BREAKING: Publicist for Aretha Franklin says the Queen of Soul died Thursday at her home in Detroit.

— The Associated Press (@AP) August 16, 2018

Her death followed earlier reports that she was gravely ill and battling pancreatic cancer. The legendary "I Say a Little Prayer" singer was 76.

Franklin was born in 1942 in Memphis, Tennessee, but soon moved to Detroit, which she would consider home until her death. She began touring and performing at the age of 14, and landed her first record deal in 1956. Throughout her long career, Franklin paved the way for countless icons to follow, and became a symbol of black liberation.

On Monday night, BeyoncĂ© dedicated her Detroit show to Franklin, thanking her for "the beautiful music.”

A biopic on the soulful singer best known for "Respect," "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman," "Spanish Harlem,” and so many other classic songs is currently expected to begin filming in 2019 and stars Jennifer Hudson.

Following the news of Aretha Franklin's death, posts from celebrities and fans dedicated to her began pouring out online. “It’s difficult to conceive of a world without her," wrote Barbra Streisand. "Not only was she a uniquely brilliant singer, but her commitment to civil rights made an indelible impact on the world."

Check out more tributes from Hillary Clinton, Chance the Rapper, John Legend, Kelly Rowland, and more below.

Aretha helped define the American experience. In her voice, we could feel our history, all of it and in every shade—our power and our pain, our darkness and our light, our quest for redemption and our hard-won respect. May the Queen of Soul rest in eternal peace. pic.twitter.com/bfASqKlLc5

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 16, 2018

“Looking out on the morning rain
I used to feel so uninspired
And when I knew
I had to face another day
Lord, it made me feel so tired
Before the day I met you
Life was so unkind
But you’re the key to
My peace of mind.”
Her voice/swagger was peerless.
Thank you, #ArethaFranklin pic.twitter.com/5gp0OP10Jf

— Ava DuVernay (@ava) August 16, 2018

this is truly a sad day. rest peacefully queen. icon. my sincere condolences to her family. #ArethaFranklin

— KELENDRIA ROWLAND (@KELLYROWLAND) August 16, 2018

The moment I wake up, before I put on my make up, I say a little prayer for you

— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) August 16, 2018

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

RIP Aretha Franklin

— Gucci Mane (@gucci1017) August 16, 2018

Salute to the Queen. The greatest vocalist I've ever known. đŸ™đŸœđŸ™đŸœđŸ™đŸœđŸ™đŸœđŸ™đŸœ #Aretha

— John Legend (@johnlegend) August 16, 2018

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

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

R.I.P. Aretha Franklin Queen Of Soul 🙏🏿

— juicy j (@therealjuicyj) August 16, 2018

The Queen of Soul has left this earth to sit on her throne in heaven. How blessed we were to hear the best that God had to offer in her voice. RESPECT!
đŸ“·: Mark Seliger pic.twitter.com/v9OxtyrZ74

— Lenny Kravitz (@LennyKravitz) August 16, 2018

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://t.co/aMHIBFaTAs

— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) August 16, 2018

Aretha.

— shonda rhimes (@shondarhimes) August 16, 2018

Her voice; her presence; her style
No one did it better
Truly the Queen of Soul
I will miss you!@ArethaFranklin #QueenOfSoul pic.twitter.com/Gw5XEhsxjH

— Lionel Richie (@LionelRichie) August 16, 2018

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

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 đŸ™đŸŒ pic.twitter.com/me3FXBY4WZ

— Christina Aguilera (@xtina) August 16, 2018

I’m sitting in prayer for the wonderful golden spirit Aretha Franklin.

— Ms. Ross (@DianaRoss) August 16, 2018

From the time that Dinah Washington 1st told me that Aretha was the “next one” when she was 12-years old, until the present day, Aretha Franklin set the bar & she did it with the professionalism, class, grace, & humility that only a true Queen could... 📾: Hassan pic.twitter.com/IjT6I7NH1D

— Quincy Jones (@QuincyDJones) August 16, 2018

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

We mourn the passing of Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul. Her voice will keep lifting us, through the music she gave the world. Our thoughts are with her family, her loved ones and fans everywhere. Take her hand, precious Lord, and lead her home. đŸŽ¶ pic.twitter.com/I84HTEVZU1

— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) August 16, 2018
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