This morning the world lost an amazing and talented artist, Aretha Franklin. The Queen of Soul died in her Detroit home after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Aretha was more than a talented singer, she touched the souls of anyone who knew her. She performed at the inauguration of three U.S. presidents, she lent her voice to Elton John's AIDS Foundation and even performed last minute at the 1998 Grammys when Luciano Pavarotti was too ill to perform the aria "Nessun Dorma."
One of the memorable moments being shared was her performance at the Kennedy Center Honours in 2015 when she sang Carole King's "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" and President Obama cried.
As the news of her passing spreads, celebrities are taking to social media with thoughts and memories of Aretha Franklin.
I’m sitting in prayer for the wonderful golden spirit Aretha Franklin.
— Ms. Ross (@DianaRoss) 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
What a life. What a legacy!
So much love, respect and gratitude.
R.I.P. @ArethaFranklin https://t.co/400K1U5IHI— Carole King (@Carole_King) August 16, 2018
She made millions feel like natural women, and she earned our everlasting Respect with each performance. May Aretha Franklin’s voice ring now throughout the heavens. She truly was the Queen of Soul. Rest In Peace, o great one.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) August 16, 2018
Hearing the news of her passing has left me in tears but I’m grateful to God that I got to share this smile with her. Thank you Aretha Franklin for leaving such an incredible legacy for generations among generations to stand on. May you Rest In Peace. ?? pic.twitter.com/S9c9po1z3j
— Danielle Brooks (@thedanieb) August 16, 2018
An unbelievable woman and voice. It was an honor to meet and perform with the Queen of Soul. RIP Aretha Franklin ❤️?https://t.co/BQBtdPuoZO
— Shania Twain (@ShaniaTwain) 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!
?: Mark Seliger pic.twitter.com/v9OxtyrZ74— Lenny Kravitz (@LennyKravitz) 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
Aretha Franklin’s “Amazing Grace” is still the greatest gospel album ever made. It was the soundtrack to so many Sundays in Black America.
— Marc Lamont Hill (@marclamonthill) August 16, 2018
#arethafranklin An incredible moment I had with Aretha Franklin now feels like yesterday! First of all,she was such a fighter of the rights and wrongs of people along with that amazing voice that was a gift! I spoke with her & her knowledge of boxing blew me away! RIP
— Sugar Ray Leonard (@SugarRayLeonard) August 16, 2018
I know that the heavenly choir is welcoming Aretha Franklin with open arms. She was definitely the Queen of Soul. I’m so happy that I knew her and had the privilege of sharing a stage with her...https://t.co/9tH51bDqxl
— Aaron Neville (@aaronneville) 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
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
It was a double thrill for me to perform on the stage of the Metropolitan Opera on my 85th birthday and have the Queen of Soul (and heart) Aretha Franklin singing with me....she will be missed by the world. pic.twitter.com/74VM9IYejI
— Tony Bennett (@itstonybennett) August 16, 2018
I’m very sad to hear about Aretha Franklin passing. She was one of the greatest and most emotional singers. I used to love listening to her in the sixties but her music is timeless. Love & Mercy to Aretha’s family and friends. pic.twitter.com/fFVKyjxIXT
— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) August 16, 2018
RESPECT!!! REST IN PEACE AND POWER OUR TRUE QUEEN ARETHA FRANKLIN. IT WAS AN HONOR TO HAVE MET YOU AND WORKED WITH YOU ?????? #QUEENOFSOUL #ROYALTY #BLACKEXCELLENCEATITSBEST #LEGEND ?????? pic.twitter.com/RBIzD0dxaI
— Naomi Campbell (@NaomiCampbell) August 16, 2018
Here’s to the greatest voice of all ♥️ Thank you, Aretha Franklin pic.twitter.com/bzkwfWFWWl
— James Bay (@JamesBayMusic) August 16, 2018
Aretha was One of a kind...
The Queen of Soul ♥️
Nothing but 'Respect'...
Heart & Prayers to Family & Friends... ??x https://t.co/3w0egQmcAT
— Julian Lennon (@JulianLennon) August 16, 2018
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