(PCM) We are deeply saddened with the news that R&B/Soul legend Aretha Franklin has passed away at the age of 76. Nicknamed the “Queen of Soul” for her amazing vocal ability and strong roots tied to both gospel and the blues, Aretha Franklin was a true force to be reckoned with in the music industry and she will be remembered for her extensive catalog of work.
Franklin passed away around 9:50 am surrounded by her family and friends in her home in Detroit, Michigan. Her official cause of death is listed as advanced pancreatic cancer of the neuroendocrine type, which was confirmed by Franklin’s oncologist, Dr. Philip Phillips of Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit.
Once the news broke about Franklin’s passing immediately many were left with profound grief and tributes began pouring in from all over the world. Former President Barack Obama tweeted “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.”
Fans also began leaving flowers and trinkets around Franklin’s star of the famous Hollywood Walk Of Fame. Franklin’s longtime friend and fellow musician Sam Moore also shared his sentiments in regards to Franklin’s passing saying, “I adored her and I know the feelings were mutual. While I’m heartbroken that she’s gone I know she’s in the Lord’s arms and she’s not in pain or suffering anymore from the damn cancer that took her away from us. I’m going to hope, pray and count on the fact that I will see her again sometime. Rest in the Lord’s arms in love, Re.”
Franklin’s death comes just three days after it was confirmed that the singer had entered hospice care. In their statement her family went on to say, “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. We have been deeply touched by the incredible outpouring of love and support we have received from close friends, supporters and fans all around the world. Thank you for your compassion and prayers. We have felt your love for Aretha and it brings us comfort to know that her legacy will live on. As we grieve, we ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time.”
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days, but for now we mourn the “Queen Of Soul” and pay her, her due R-E-S-P-E-C-T! Our sincere condolences go out to Franklin’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.