‘Queen of Soul’, Aretha Franklin dies aged 76
The ‘Queen of Soul’, Aretha Franklin, has died from cancer at the age of 76.
The respected soul singer died on Thursday at her home in Detroit, Michigan, surrounded by her loved ones, a statement issued by the singer’s family through her longtime publicist, Gwendolyn Quinn, said.
Franklin’s oncologist, Dr. Philip Phillips of Karmanos Cancer Institute, says the singer’s official cause of death was due to advance pancreatic cancer of the neuroendocrine type.
“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,” the family’s statement reads.
“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.”
Funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days.
