Music
16 Aug 18

Tributes Pour In For Aretha Franklin

Hilary Clinton, Bette Midler and Shania Twain honour the Queen of Soul

Tributes have started pouring in for soul legend Aretha Franklin.

The singer passed away at her home in Detroit on Thursday. She was surrounded by loved one and was said to have died peacefully. She was 76.

Dozens of stars have payed homage to Franklin, including Hilary Clinton who credited Franklin with "opening our eyes, hearts and minds".

Mourning the loss today of @ArethaFranklin who shared her spirit and talent with the world. She deserves not only our RESPECT but also our lasting gratitude for opening our eyes, ears and hearts. Rest in eternal peace, my friend.

— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) August 16, 2018

Broadway legend, Bette Midler, also paid tribute, calling Franklin the "greatest voice in American popular music".

The greatest voice in American popular music has been stilled. Our beloved #ArethaFranklin has gone. For me, she was a musical lighthouse, guiding and inspiring with every note. I loved her so and love her still. Goodbye, Queen of Soul.

— Bette Midler (@BetteMidler) August 16, 2018

Former Beatles member and rock legend Paul McCartney added:

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. 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 pic.twitter.com/jW4Gpwfdts

— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) August 16, 2018

Other stars also honoured the soul singer:

this is truly a sad day. rest peacefully queen. icon. my sincere condolences to her family. #ArethaFranklin

— KELENDRIA ROWLAND (@KELLYROWLAND) August 16, 2018

Aretha was such a timeless inspiration to me and so many others, the ultimate queen, thank you for the gift of your voice, music and unshakeable soul 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/me3FXBY4WZ

— Christina Aguilera (@xtina) August 16, 2018

forever ♡ pic.twitter.com/E4JopV0ffT

— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) August 16, 2018

God bless Aretha Franklin the queen of soul and peace and love to her family 😎✌️🌟💖🎵🎶☮️

— #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) August 16, 2018

Aretha Franklin was the only thing I wanted to listen to in the car growing up. I always asked my mom to put her on. Rest In Peace, Queen if soul. An irreplaceable legend!

— Zara Larsson (@zaralarsson) August 16, 2018

Today we have lost one of the greatest. She will always be remembered and admired. Aretha Franklin, rest in peace. We love you.

— Ricky Martin (@ricky_martin) August 16, 2018

One of the highlights of my career was singing with #ArethaFranklin 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. https://t.co/L8dIIhyR9Y

— Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) August 16, 2018

The Queen of Soul has left this earth to sit on her throne in heaven. How blessed we were to hear the best that God had to offer in her voice. RESPECT!
📷: Mark Seliger pic.twitter.com/v9OxtyrZ74

— Lenny Kravitz (@LennyKravitz) August 16, 2018