The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, is dead.
She was 76.
She died on Thursday in her home at Detroit, Michigan, in the U.S.
The news of her death was broken by her publicist, Gwendolyn Quinn.
The statement reads: “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 in Detroit.
“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.
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“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.”
On Wednesday, The Detroit church held a prayer vigil for her.
The occasion was attended by civil rights leader, Jesse Jackson and music legend Stevie Wonder among many other top personalities.
Aretha Franklin started music in the church.
An inspiration to many singers, some of her hits are “Respect,” “Natural Woman” and “I Say a Little Prayer.”
She won Grammy award 18 times.
