Aretha Franklin Dead: Diana Ross, John Legend & More Pay Tribute
By James Dinh
August 16, 2018
Aretha Franklin was one of music's timeless icons and her presence will certainly be missed dearly, as per the number of stars that have come together to pay homage to the Queen of Soul on Thursday (August 16). As you probably have heard, one of the pioneers of soul and R&B passed away on Thursday morning after complications with pancreatic cancer. Early word of Franklin's death took the blogosphere by storm on Sunday after Showbiz 411 reportedly that the icon was "gravely ill" and surrounded by her family and loved ones. She was 76.
Among the names that have come forward to pay tribute to Franklin, include Shonda Rhimes, John Legend, and Ryan Seacrest. Scroll on below to see the others that have honored the beloved singer!
I’m sitting in prayer for the wonderful golden spirit Aretha Franklin.
— Ms. Ross (@DianaRoss) August 16, 2018
Queen... My Queen. pic.twitter.com/6olvvLPISd
— Anita Baker (@IAMANITABAKER) August 16, 2018
An unbelievable woman and voice. It was an honor to meet and perform with the Queen of Soul. RIP Aretha Franklin ❤️💔https://t.co/BQBtdPuoZO
— Shania Twain (@ShaniaTwain) August 16, 2018
What a life. What a legacy!
— Carole King (@Carole_King) August 16, 2018
So much love, respect and gratitude.
R.I.P. @ArethaFranklin https://t.co/400K1U5IHI
The whole world will miss her but will always rejoice in her remarkable legacy. The Queen is dead. Long live the Queen. #RIPArethaFranklin
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) August 16, 2018
Elton xx
One of my favorites. Rest In Peace ✌🏻 Queen of soul! #respect #youbetterthink #arethafranklin pic.twitter.com/vWDsYPPzhT
— Jon Pardi (@JonPardi) August 16, 2018
Well done, my friend.
— Shaun Robinson (@shaunrobinson) August 16, 2018
Very, very well done.
RIP Aretha Franklin. pic.twitter.com/ST8eDOzDKo
Salute to the Queen. The greatest vocalist I've ever known. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 #Aretha
— John Legend (@johnlegend) August 16, 2018
RIP “QUEEN OF SOUL” ARETHA FRANKLIN. #ThatVoice
— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) August 16, 2018
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
Lucky enough to have seen Aretha live exactly once, and this was it.
— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) August 16, 2018
Thank you for the music, we will be listening to you forever https://t.co/aMHIBFaTAs
I just finished interviews in Berlin, and was informed the mighty arethafranklin has passed. RIPArethaFranklin #TheQueenofSoul https://t.co/ScWqOaBCrV
— Nile Rodgers (@nilerodgers) August 16, 2018
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.
— shonda rhimes (@shondarhimes) August 16, 2018
We Will Always Love You Aretha We Will Always Speak Your Name And Give RESPECT. ~Lish and Debbie 💕💐 #arethafranklin pic.twitter.com/kUFoqoMxiA
— Debbie Allen (@msdebbieallen) August 16, 2018
Praying and putting out all my good energy out there for the Queen of Soul @ArethaFranklin she has been a daily inspiration to me as a singer. To be that open channel. To let the music flow through me. To always just know where to go and where to take a song. Brilliant.
— Martina McBride (@martinamcbride) August 15, 2018
I’m absolutely devastated by Aretha’s passing. She was truly one of a kind. She was more than the Queen of Soul. She was a national treasure to be cherished by every generation throughout the world. (1/2)
— Clive Davis (@CliveDavis) 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
♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ☁️ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ pic.twitter.com/J2Y1eEbSXo
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) August 16, 2018
I’ve had so many influences in my life, and one of them is the Queen of Soul. Rest In Peace, Aretha. I’ll sing this one for you. https://t.co/GcwwWioHsl
— Reba (@reba) August 16, 2018
Deeply saddened by the passing of a beloved friend and queen/warrior Aretha Franklin. Her contributions are legendary both personally and societally. We hope you take a pause today to remember the life of a beautiful soul. pic.twitter.com/ce4ht2g0ha
— Reverend Al Sharpton (@TheRevAl) August 16, 2018
Sending my love and prayers to the family and friends of the incomparably influential Aretha Franklin. Her legacy will live on forever. https://t.co/aNb6RWhdl9
— Jo Dee Messina (@jodeemessina) August 16, 2018
Rest in Peace, sweet Aretha #QueenOfSoul. We loved you and your music oh so much. An absolute legend that can never be replaced! pic.twitter.com/XwGjk2iLw8
— Rascal Flatts (@rascalflatts) August 16, 2018
Rest in peace Aretha Franklin ♥️ such amazing songs & an incredible voice. A Soul Queen! 👑
— James TW (@JamesTWmusic) August 16, 2018
So sad to hear about Aretha Franklin. She represented strength and empowerment... not to mention that voice. If you’re a vocalist, no matter which genre, you look up to that voice. #RipArethaFranklin 😔
— Cassadee Pope (@CassadeePope) August 16, 2018
The @AmericanIdol fam had the great privilege of working with the iconic Aretha Franklin for a special ep in Detroit. The world will miss her as she’s left an indelible mark on our culture. Her artistry & music will move & inspire us forever. Rest in peace to the Queen of Soul. pic.twitter.com/3LaOL6wvkn
— Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) August 16, 2018
Praying and putting out all my good energy out there for the Queen of Soul @ArethaFranklin she has been a daily inspiration to me as a singer. To be that open channel. To let the music flow through me. To always just know where to go and where to take a song. Brilliant.
— Martina McBride (@martinamcbride) August 15, 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
“this morning we lost an icon a legend a voice a musician an activist: her soul lives on may you sleep in heavenly peace ms. franklin ” 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/eCpKBXMoHB
— MAXWELL (@_MAXWELL_) August 16, 2018
Goodbye Ms. Aretha. You were my idol. The greatest singer of all time. Every note you sang was pure and authentic and pierced our hearts with joy and pain and life.
— Idina Menzel (@idinamenzel) August 16, 2018
We mourn the passing of Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul. Her voice will keep lifting us, through the music she gave the world. Our thoughts are with her family, her loved ones and fans everywhere. Take her hand, precious Lord, and lead her home. 🎶 pic.twitter.com/I84HTEVZU1
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) August 16, 2018
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
"Music does a lot of things for a lot of people. It's transporting, for sure. It can take you right back, years back, to the very moment certain things happened in your life. It's uplifting, it's encouraging, it's strengthening" RIP #QueenOfSoul Aretha Franklin pic.twitter.com/GP36DnaO5z
— Nina Garcia (@ninagarcia) August 16, 2018
Praying for the Queen @ArethaFranklin tonight. True LEGEND!!! Love U Aretha!!
— Darius Rucker (@dariusrucker) August 15, 2018
CHAKA KHAN - RESPECT - 💜💜 ARETHA FRANKLIN
— Chaka Khan (@ChakaKhan) August 14, 2018
I fall asleep tonight with a heavy heart & a prayer for my soul sister 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿https://t.co/0WOKwNw0VX #ArethaFranklin
I say a little Prayer for you, Aretha. GOD Save the Queen of Soul. Much Love and R.E.S.P.E.C.T! #Arethafranklin #respect #PrayersForAretha
— Mr. T (@MrT) August 14, 2018
Photo: Getty Images