Cyrus Langhorne
The Queen of Soul has left the music world hurting. Soul icon Aretha Franklin has died today (August 16) at the age of 76.
According to Franklin’s publicist, she passed away Thursday in Detroit following days of celebrity prayers.
Publicist for Aretha Franklin says the Queen of Soul died Thursday at her home in Detroit. https://t.co/EEqRxODtPo
— The Associated Press (@AP) August 16, 2018
BREAKING: Publicist for Aretha Franklin says the Queen of Soul died Thursday at her home in Detroit.
— The Associated Press (@AP) August 16, 2018
Earlier in the week, music superstars JAY-Z and Beyoncé paid tribute to Franklin during a Detroit concert.
Queen B made the sweet tribute after performing the opening number at Ford Field. “This show is dedicated to Aretha Franklin,” she said, per the concert venue. According to the Detroit Free Press she then added, “We love you” and thanked the legendary singer for the “beautiful music.” The news outlet also reported the couple’s opener, DJ Khaled, played Franklin’s hit “Respect,” generating roars of applause from the audience. The concert location was a special one as the “Natural Woman” singer grew up in Detroit and lives in Michigan. (E! Online)
After performing the opening song with Jay-Z, Beyoncé said: “This show is dedicated to Aretha Franklin,” while also saying, “We love you and thank you” #OTII #Detroit
— Ford Field (@fordfield) August 14, 2018
This week, various musicians from Missy Elliott to Q-Tip have sent prayers to Franklin.
Prayers up. 📸 @QtipTheAbstract pic.twitter.com/B2mFQALRQU
— SOHH (@sohh) August 14, 2018
My prayers are with Aretha Franklin & her family during this difficult time 🙏🏾 LOOK BELOW @ what I tweeted at the top of the year we MUST CELEBRATE the Living Legends while they are here to see it. So many have given us decades of Timeless music…❤️ https://t.co/VVacLxcMSI
— Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) August 13, 2018
Praying for the Queen of Soul 🙏🙏 #ArethaFranklin pic.twitter.com/5cfNPrQrq3
— Mariah Carey (@MariahCarey) August 13, 2018
A few days ago, reports emerged about Aretha being gravely ill and possibly dealing with cancer.
A source very close to Aretha and a longtime dear friend tells TMZ he was told a week ago, “Prepare yourself, she’s dying.” The source adds Aretha was down to 86 pounds and her health was failing. The source says 2 weeks ago everyone in Aretha’s circle was told “she could go any time.” Another source — someone who has been close to Aretha for decades — tells TMZ she has been battling cancer. (TMZ)
