Tributes for Aretha Franklin: Star's heartfelt words roll in

Publish Date
Friday, 17 August 2018, 7:00AM
Photo / Getty Images

Photo / Getty Images

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.

Adele wrote, 'I can’t remember a day of my life without Aretha Franklin’s voice and music filling up my heart with so much joy and sadness. Absolutely heartbroken she’s gone, what a woman. Thank you for everything, the melodies and the movements.' 

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.'

Oprah Winfrey made sure to share her own dedication, posting a photo of the first female Rock and Roll Hall of Fame recipient from an appearance on her daytime television show.

'We'll miss you Queen,' she wrote in the caption before adding the hashtag #ArethaQueenForever.

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.'

 

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

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Mariah Carey shared a heartfelt caption alongside a photo of the legendary vocalists performing together. 

'Aretha Franklin. The Queen of Soul. The Icon. The ultimate singers' singer,' Mariah wrote. The greatest singer and musician of my lifetime. The power of your voice in music and in civil rights blew open the door for me and so many others. You were my inspiration, my mentor and my friend. 

'You showed me I could sing the songs I wanted to sing and bring God with me. You've inspired millions everywhere yet never left home, never left church. Today the entire world mourns your home-going and celebrates all the brilliance you left behind. 

'I will forever cherish the moments I spent in your presence. Your indelible impact was earned not only by your incomparable voice but by your bigger than life personality, wit and humor. I say a BIG prayer for you. You will forever have all our RESPECT. Love, Mariah.'

Paul McCartney joined in on the tributes as well, giving a nod to the star's beautiful life.

This article was first published on dailymail.co.uk and is reproduced here with permission. 

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