Aretha Franklin, Queen of Soul, dies aged 76
Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, has died aged 76.
Franklin died on Thursday at her home in Detroit surrounded by family and loved ones, her publicist said.
A family statement said "Franklin's official cause of death was due to advanced pancreatic cancer of the neuroendocrine type, which was confirmed by Franklin's oncologist, Dr Philip Phillips of Karmanos Cancer Institute.
"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," the statement continued.
"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."
Franklin was known for her powerful voice and for many hits, including Respect, (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman, Chain of Fools and Think.
R.I.P.
