It's with great sadness to report that the undisputed Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, has died. She was 76. Detroit's Associated Press reports Mrs. Franklin died from advanced pancreatic cancer. She passed at her home in Detroit, Thursday at 9:50 a.m.

Gwendolyn Quinn, the music legends longtime Publicist confirmed the tragic news.  Speaking on behalf of the music icons family, Quinn released the following statement:

“Franklin’s official cause of death was due to advance pancreatic cancer of the neuroendocrine type, which was confirmed by Franklin’s oncologist, Dr. Philip Phillips of Karmanos Cancer Institute.”

 

She continued, “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.
“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. Thank you for your compassion and prayers. We have felt your love for Aretha and it brings us comfort to know that her legacy will live on. As we grieve, we ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time.”

 

A preacher's daughter, gifted singer and accomplished pianist. By the time Franklin reached her mid-20's was already the greatest artist of her time. The Queen of Soul imposed an irreplaceable, unduplicated mark on music, that'll last till the end of time. Franklin was the first female artist to inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. She won 18 Grammy awards, sold millions of albums, recorded hundreds of songs, and has more than 20 #1 hits. Franklin's had an extraordinary career that's span 60 years. Right up to her death, she was recording, with plans to release a new album. Hopefully, I'll have more details on her new project in the near future.

In the meantime, we are absolutely devastated to hear of her passing. Our deepest, most sincere, and heartfelt condolences go to her family and friends in their time of bereavement. Though she's no longer here, it's comforting to know that we'll have her iconic voice and musical legacy to remember forever. There will NEVER be another Aretha Franklin! All hail the Queen. May she rest in sweet, and everlasting peace.

Detroit's AP reports, funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days.

 

 

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