Aretha Franklin tributes: Stars share moving notes after legend dies

Celebrities took to social media to mourn the loss of the Queen of Soul.

Aretha Franklin died from advanced pancreatic cancer on Thursday morning at her home in Detroit, according to her publicist Gwendolyn Quinn. She was 76.

Barbra Streisand wrote that it’s ‘difficult to conceive of a world without her’ in a moving caption paired with a throwback photo as the legendary singers posed before a performance in 2012. 

Tribute: Barbra Streisand wrote that it’s ‘difficult to conceive of a world without her’ in a moving caption paired with a throwback photo as the legendary singers posed before a performance in 2012

‘This photo was taken in 2012 when Aretha & I performed at a tribute celebration for our friend Marvin Hamlisch,’ she wrote. ‘It’s difficult to conceive of a world without her. Not only was she a uniquely brilliant singer,but her commitment to civil rights made an indelible impact on the world.’

John Legend was quick to share a few kind words about the powerhouse, writing, ‘Salute to the Queen. The greatest vocalist I’ve ever known.’ 

Legend then shared a black-and-white image of a marquee from the famed Apollo Theater with Aretha’s name in large letters next to the words ‘she’s home.’

Sad: John Legend was quick to share a few kind words about the powerhouse, writing, 'Salute to the Queen. The greatest vocalist I've ever known'; seen with wife Chrissy Teigen in June

Sad: John Legend was quick to share a few kind words about the powerhouse, writing, ‘Salute to the Queen. The greatest vocalist I’ve ever known’; seen with wife Chrissy Teigen in June

'Today we have lost one of the greatest': Kelly Rowland and Ricky Martin shared their admiration for the famous singer 

‘Today we have lost one of the greatest’: Kelly Rowland and Ricky Martin shared their admiration for the famous singer 

‘Hillary and I mourn the loss of our friend Aretha Franklin, one of America’s greatest national treasures,’ President Bill Clinton and Secretary Hilary Clinton wrote in a joint statement. ‘For more than 50 years, she stirred our souls. She was elegant, graceful, and utterly uncompromising in her artistry.

‘Aretha’s first music school was the church and her performances were powered by what she learned there. I’ll always be grateful for her kindness and support, including her performances at both my inaugural celebrations, and for the chance to be there for what sadly turned out to be her final performance last November at a benefit supporting the fight against HIV/AIDS.

‘She will forever be the Queen of Soul and so much more to all who knew her personally and through her music. Our hearts go out to her family and her countless fans.’ 

'Hillary and I mourn the loss of our friend Aretha Franklin, one of America's greatest national treasures,' President Bill Clinton and Secretary Hilary Clinton wrote in a joint statement

‘Hillary and I mourn the loss of our friend Aretha Franklin, one of America’s greatest national treasures,’ President Bill Clinton and Secretary Hilary Clinton wrote in a joint statement

'I'll always be grateful for her kindness and support, including her performances at both my inaugural celebrations, and for the chance to be there for what sadly turned out to be her final performance last November at a benefit supporting the fight against HIV/AIDS'; seen together at her show in 2017

‘I’ll always be grateful for her kindness and support, including her performances at both my inaugural celebrations, and for the chance to be there for what sadly turned out to be her final performance last November at a benefit supporting the fight against HIV/AIDS’; seen together at her show in 2017

Legend: Elton John memorialized his 'favourite pianist' in a series of notes shared on Twitter

Legend: Elton John memorialized his ‘favourite pianist’ in a series of notes shared on Twitter

Elton John memorialized his ‘favourite pianist’ in a series of notes shared on Twitter.

‘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.’

He continued, ‘I was fortunate enough to spend time with her and witness her last performance – a benefit for @ejaf at St John The Divine Cathedral. She was obviously unwell, and I wasn’t sure she could perform. But Aretha did and she raised the roof.’

‘She sang and played magnificently, and we all wept,’ Elton wrote. ‘We were witnessing the greatest soul artist of all time. I adored her and worshipped her talent. God bless her. My condolences to all her family and friends. We shared the same birthday – and that meant so much to me. 

'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'; seen in 2016

‘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’; seen in 2016

‘The whole world will miss her but will always rejoice in her remarkable legacy. The Queen is dead. Long live the Queen. #RIPArethaFranklin’ 

Andy Cohen ‘was always a fan’ of the Respect singer in a length caption of the gospel star shared to Instagram. 

‘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,’ a statement from her family read. ‘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.’ 

Long live the queen: Andy Cohen 'was always a fan' of the Respect singer in a length caption of the gospel star shared to Instagram

Long live the queen: Andy Cohen ‘was always a fan’ of the Respect singer in a length caption of the gospel star shared to Instagram

 



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