Queen Of Soul Legend Aretha Franklin Has Passed Away At 76

It is with a heavy heart to report that the Queen of Soul (and shade), Aretha Franklin, has passed away, allegedly from pancreatic cancer. 

The Grammy award winning, chart topping Memphis legend passed away today, Thursday, August 14th, 2018 9:50 a.m. at her home in Detroit, surrounded by family and friends, according to a statement on behalf of Franklin’s family from her longtime publicist Gwendolyn Quinn.

“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 family said according to CNN.

Franklin won 18 Grammy awards, and in 1987, became the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Franklin has inspired many artists over the year, and has made a mark in the industry that will never be touched or matched. Franklin’s legacy and impact will forever remain on the greatest and in high regards to many people.

Clive Davis wrote on Twitter that, “I’m absolutely devastated by Aretha’s passing. She was truly one of a kind. She was more than the Queen of Soul. She was a national treasure to be cherished by every generation throughout the world. Apart from our long professional relationship, Aretha was my friend. Her loss is deeply profound and my heart is full of sadness.” Clive is also said to be working on a concert for Franklin’s legacy.

“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,” the family said, adding that funeral arrangements would be announced in coming days.