Describing Aretha’s loss, the family said: “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."
Legendary singer, Aretha Franklin is dead.
Aretha, aged 76, died at 9:50am today, after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.
The death of the singer was made public by Gwendolyn Quinn, the family’s publicist in a statement, which noted that her death was caused by advance pancreatic cancer of the neuroendocrine type, which was confirmed by Franklin's oncologist, Dr. Philip Phillips of Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit.
Aretha has been battling the sickness for years and has had to cancel some planned shows and singing tour.
The 20-time Grammy Award winner had hit songs that included ‘Respect’, ‘Chain of Fools’, and ‘I Never Loved a Man’.
Describing Aretha’s loss, the family said: “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.”
The family thanked supporters and well-wishers around the world who sent condolence messages to express their sadness over Aretha's death.
Celebrities and well-wishers around the world took to social media to mourn the legendary singer…
Elton John wrote: "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."
Paul McCartney said: "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."
Hilary Clinton wrote: "Mourning the loss today of Aretha Franklin 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."
For Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, "Aretha Franklin will be profoundly missed. Her music is exceptionally powerful and resonates with Americans of every generation. She was an unflinching advocate for civil rights and women, and her legacy will live on in her music forever."
The singer's final public performance was last November, when she sang at an Elton John AIDS Foundation gala in New York.