Celebrities, music legends and politicians flooded Twitter to mourn the death of Aretha Franklin, the beloved Queen of Soul who died of cancer on Thursday at the age of 76.
“What a life. What a Legacy!” said singer-songwriter Carole King, whose tune “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” was a Top Ten hit for Franklin in 1967.
“Let’s all take a moment to give thanks for the beautiful life of Aretha Franklin, the Queen of our souls, who inspired us all for many, many years,” Paul McCartney wrote. “She will be missed but the memory of her greatness as a musician and a fine human being will live with us forever. Love Paul.’’
Elton John said: “The loss of Aretha Franklin 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 favorite pianists.
President Donald Trump tweeted: "The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, is dead. She was a great woman, with a wonderful gift from God, her voice. She will be missed!"
“I was fortunate enough to spend time with her and witness her last performance … She was obviously unwell, and I wasn’t sure she could perform. But Aretha did and she raised the roof … The whole world will miss her but will always rejoice in her remarkable legacy. The Queen is dead. Long live the Queen.”
Barbra Streisand commented: “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.”
Tony Bennett tweeted: “It was a double thrill for me to perform on the stage of the Metropolitan Opera on my 85th birthday and have the Queen of Soul (and heart) Aretha Franklin singing with me....she will be missed by the world.”
“The heavenly choir just got more soulful. May the 'Queen of Soul' Rest in Peace. Awesome life,” Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) tweeted.
Singer, songwriter and actor John Legend added: “Salute to the Queen. The greatest vocalist I've ever known.”
Veteran radio deejay and TV personality Donnie Simpson, who’s interviewed Franklin, said: “I'm so sad to report The Queen is dead. Aretha Franklin died 20 minutes ago in Detroit from pancreatic cancer. I'm devastated and and joyful at the same time. RIP My Queen. Now let the church say amen.”
Actor Hugh Jackman said: "One of the highlights of my career was singing with Aretha Franklin at The Tony Awards. It was an out of body experience for me. One of greatest singers of all time. You will be missed by all."
Former President Bill Clinton said: “Like people all around the world, Hillary and I are thinking about Aretha Franklin tonight & listening to her music that has been such an important part of our lives the last 50 years. We hope you’ll lift her up by listening and sharing her songs that have meant the most to you.”
“As the One and Only ‘Queen of Soul’ Aretha Franklin was simply peerless. She has reigned supreme. and will always be held in the highest firmament of stars as the most exceptional vocalist, performer and recording artist the world has ever been privilege… Her voice will soar forever,” Eurythmics star Annie Lennox.
Rod Stewart wrote: “Always loved you, always will Aretha Franklin. Not only the Queen of Soul but the queen of all our hearts.”
Ringo Starr tweeted: “God bless Aretha Franklin the queen of soul and peace and love to her family.”
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif) said: “Our love & prayers are with the family & loved ones of the beloved Queen of Soul. From Dr. King’s funeral to President Obama’s inauguration, Aretha Franklin touched the soul of our nation, and the world. Her loss will be deeply felt by all.”
Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) said: “Aretha Franklin had a powerful voice and sent powerful messages. She inspired a generation of women through her music. She was truly a legend and larger than life. She will be missed.”
Franklin’s huge library of smash hits included: “Think,” “Respect,” “Chain of Fools,” “Rock Steady,” “Freeway of Love,” “I Say a Little Prayer” and “Since You Been Gone.”
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