Celebrities rush to social media to pay respects to Aretha Franklin, dead at 76

Celebrities and others quickly went to social media Thursday after news spread of the death legendary singer Aretha Franklin.

The “Queen of Soul” died at home in Detroit of pancreatic cancer, a family representative told the Associated Press.

She was 76.

Franklin tore through the charts in the 1960s with No. 1 hits “Respect,” “Chain of Fools,” and “Think;” in the 1970s with “Spanish Harlem” and “Day Dreaming” and in the 1980s with “Freeway of Love.”

Her career had its ups and down, but she won 18 Grammys and was the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.

Here’s how the entertainment world responded to Franklin’s passing:

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

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

A lot of music left the earth today. The Heavens rejoice. Rest in heavenly peace. #ArethaFranklin #ISayALittlePrayer pic.twitter.com/o5Etf8hi3o

— Rev Jesse Jackson Sr (@RevJJackson) August 16, 2018

The loss of @ArethaFranklin 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. pic.twitter.com/ug5oZYywAz

— Elton John (@eltonofficial) August 16, 2018

Aretha Franklin “The Queen of Soul” has inspired and touched many lives. Her legacy will live on and we will always have the music. Sending my condolences and thoughts to the family.
Rest In Peace. ❤️ #ArethaFranklin pic.twitter.com/Fa1LgKtuHN

— Mariah_Carey (@Mariah_Carey25) 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

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

— John Legend (@johnlegend) August 16, 2018

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

The 3 seconds it takes for #ArethaFranklin to oooooze out the words “Sittin around..” is as pure & creative & as honest as any singer I’ve ever seen when a performance goes beyond mere… https://t.co/LLlXHVTbR5

— Glasper’s Beef Patty Chef (@questlove) August 16, 2018

The moment I wake up, before I put on my make up, I say a little prayer for you

— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) August 16, 2018

She was music.
Soul, grace and respect!#ArethaFranklin #Musicares2008 #RIP pic.twitter.com/74qBbch99a

— John Stamos (@JohnStamos) August 16, 2018

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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