John Legend, Lionel Richie, Elton John & More Mourn The Loss Of Music Icon Aretha Franklin

Music superstars from across genres mourn the loss of a legend.

Aretha Franklin died Thursday at her home in Detroit after a long battle with cancer. She was 76 years old.

“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,” Aretha’s family shared in a statement.

“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.”

READ: Beyonce & DJ Khaled Send Soaring Tribute To Aretha Franklin At Detroit Concert

The Queen of Soul has often been hailed for having one of the best voices in the music industry. Aretha’s iconic hits like “Respect” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” helped her earn the record for the most entries on Billboard’s Hot 100 of any female artist for almost 40 years until Nicki MInaj surpassed her in 2017.

Music superstars took to social media to honor the late music legend, sharing touching tributes to Aretha. 

Salute to the Queen. The greatest vocalist I've ever known. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 #Aretha

— John Legend (@johnlegend) August 16, 2018

Aretha.

— shonda rhimes (@shondarhimes) August 16, 2018

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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 favourite pianists. I was fortunate enough to spend time with her and witness her last performance – a benefit for the Elton John AIDS Foundation at St John The Divine Cathedral. She was obviously unwell, and I wasn’t sure she could perform. But Aretha did and she raised the roof. She sang and played magnificently, and we all wept. We were witnessing the greatest soul artist of all time. I adored her and worshipped her talent. God bless her. My condolences to all her family and friends. We shared the same birthday – and that meant so much to me. The whole world will miss her but will always rejoice in her remarkable legacy. The Queen is dead. Long live the Queen. @arethasings #RIP #ArethaFranklin #QueenOfSoul @ejaf

A post shared by Elton John (@eltonjohn) on Aug 16, 2018 at 7:08am PDT

There will never be another Queen of Soul. Aretha Franklin is the embodiment of a soul blessed with a special gift. Grateful we have decades of recordings that will live on. Long Live The Queen. #RIPAretha

— Andy Cohen (@Andy) August 16, 2018

Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, Dies at 76 – The Hollywood Reporter “We just lost a rare precious jewel. Please refrain from calling anyone else “the new queen of soul”. God only made one, and he just called her back home. that heavenly band is Crazy ! https://t.co/lcrS9zpxJQ

— Sinbad (@sinbadbad) August 16, 2018

RIP Aretha Franklin

— Gucci Mane (@gucci1017) August 16, 2018

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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!

A post shared by Lenny Kravitz (@lennykravitz) on Aug 16, 2018 at 7:24am PDT

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This photo was taken in 2012 when Aretha and I performed at a tribute celebration for our friend Marvin Hamlisch. 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.

A post shared by Barbra Streisand (@barbrastreisand) on Aug 16, 2018 at 7:14am PDT

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Aretha, forever the Goddess of Soul ❤️💔

A post shared by Shania Twain (@shaniatwain) on Aug 16, 2018 at 8:13am PDT

I’m sitting in prayer for the wonderful golden spirit Aretha Franklin.

— Ms. Ross (@DianaRoss) August 16, 2018

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GLORY, GLORY, GLORY to the ALMIGHTY!!! The choir of angels now have the greatest voice of all time to lead, praise and join in to sing before Jesus. I wanted to share this photo because it shows just how soulful Aretha was without uttering a word. To say I was humbled to be in her presence would be an understatement.

A post shared by Faith Hill (@faithhill) on Aug 16, 2018 at 8:10am PDT