Aretha Franklin, Queen Of Soul, Dies Aged 76

16 August 2018, 15:40

Aretha Franklin performs at Radio City Music Hall on February 17, 2012 in New York City. Picture: Jamie McCarthy/Getty

Rest in peace.

Aretha Franklin has passed away at the age of 76, her family have confirmed.

The legendary singer, dubbed the 'Queen of Soul', was reported to have fallen gravely ill earlier this week. She passed away this morning of advanced pancreatic cancer.

Fox News report that Franklin died today (Thursday 16th August) at 9:50am at her home in Detroit. She had not performed publicly since Elton John's annual AIDS benefit gala in November 2017.

"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," the singer's family said in a statement to the Associated Press.

Aretha Franklin performs onstage at the Elton John AIDS Foundation Commemorates Its 25th Year And Honors Founder Sir Elton John During New York Fall Gala at Cathedral of St. John the Divine on November 7, 2017 in New York City. Picture: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty

"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."

Franklin had battled heath issues in the past. Earlier this year, she cancelled numerous scheduled concerts after her doctors had told her to “stay off the road and rest completely.”

Our thoughts are with Aretha's loved ones at this time.