The legendary R&B singer and The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin dead at 76!

The Queen of Soul has passed away in Detroit surrounded by her friends and family on Thursday (Aug. 16).

Aretha Franklin’s family has released a statement, calling Franklin’s death “one of the darkest moments of our lives.” Continue on…

CelebNMusic247.com has sad news that Aretha Franklin has died at the age of 76 in Detroit surrounded by her friends and family.

Motown Legend, Aretha Franklin family thanked her fans for the tremendous outpouring of love and support over the past few days.

It had been reported for more than 8 years that Franklin had been in poor health for some time.

The Queen of Soul canceled her scheduled 2018 tour dates after her doctor recommended she “stay off the road and rest completely for at least the next two months.” – Rolling Stone

Since 2010, rumors circulated that Franklin was battling pancreatic cancer, however, the singer denied those reports.

TMZ reported on Monday (Aug. 13) that Franklin was, in fact, battling cancer before her death.

The family statements read as follows:

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.

We have been deelpy touched by the increadible outpouring of love and support we have received from close friends, supporters ad 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 grive, we ask that you respect our privacy during this dificult time.