In very sad news, it's being reported Aretha Franklin has passed away at the age of 76 after battling cancer. Deets inside...
It's with very heavy hearts we share Aretha Franklin has reportedly died this morning at her home in Detroit, according to her publicist. She was 76-years-old.
BREAKING: Publicist for Aretha Franklin says the Queen of Soul died Thursday at her home in Detroit.
— The Associated Press (@AP) August 16, 2018
A few days ago, it was reported The Queen of Soul was"gravely ill" and her family and friends had gathered by her bedside to say their final goodbyes, including singer Stevie Wonder. She was recently moved to hospice care in her home in her hometown of Detroit.
It was then confirmed Aretha was battling pancreatic cancer.
The Grammy Award winner was reportedly diagnosed with cancer in 2010. However, the "Respect" singer denied she had pancreatic cancer in 2011. We're told by sources close to her camp that she allegedly had a surgery to temporarily "cure" her and extend her life. The cancer reportedly recently returned.
Last year, Aretha declared she was retiring after the release of her new album.
Her final public performance was in Philadelphia in August 2017. The last time she hit the stage was in November 2017 for the Elton John AIDS Foundation in NYC (atop).
Throughout her career, The Queen of Soul blessed us all with her vocals, cranking out classics like "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" (1968), "Day Dreaming" (1972), "Jump to It" (1982), "Freeway of Love" (1985), and "A Rose Is Still A Rose," (1998), just to name a few. She has scored 18 Grammys, including one Lifetime Achievement, she's the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and she has the third-most Grammy Awards for any female artist in history.
This is a monumental loss to the music industry and to the world as Aretha's voice, presence and talent were and always will be iconic.
Our condolences and prayers go out to her family, friends and fans. May the QUEEN rest in power.
Photos: Getty
