Aretha Franklin has passed away aged 76
Her publicist confirmed the sad news
Last updated 16th Aug 2018
Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin has sadly passed away at the age of 76. Having been "gravely ill" for several days, the 'Respect' hitmaker has died at her home in Detroit, Michigan in the US.
Her publicist has confirmed that the '(You Make Me Feel) A Natural Woman' singer passed away today (16th August) surrounded by friends and family, releasing a statement which read, "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."
Her family added, "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."
It was understood that Aretha was very unwell earlier this week, with reports circulating on Monday (13th August) that her family had gone to be with her, and were "asking for prayers."
In 2010, she was forced to cancel a number of live performances after having surgery on a tumour, which was at the time undisclosed. Although it was rumoured to be related to pancreatic cancer, Aretha denied this and performed a comeback show in May 2011.
After cancelling some performances in 2013, she returned to the stage in 2014, but just three years later she was taken ill once again, and cancelled shows due to ill health.
With a glittering career spanning six decades, it's no surprise that Aretha's stunning voice is one of the most well-recognised across the world. She's one of the best-selling musical artists of all time, having sold 75 million records internationally.
The mother-of-four also has 18 Grammy Awards to her name, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, becoming the first female performer to do so.
Celebrities have taken to social media to express their sorrow at her passing.
Our thoughts are with Aretha's family at this difficult time.