Country Stars React To Death Of Aretha Franklin
By Peyton Blakemore
August 16, 2018
The death of Aretha Franklin has sent shockwaves throughout the music industry. A statement from the Franklin family confirms the highly revered Queen of Soul passed away Thursday (August 16) at her home in Detroit “due to advance pancreatic cancer of the neuroendocrine type.”
The news quickly spread online, and some of country's biggest stars took to social media to remember the “Respect” singer. Shania Twain, who performed with Mrs. Franklin during VH1’s inaugural telecast of Divas Live in 1998, was among the first to react. “An unbelievable woman and voice. It was an honor to meet and perform with the Queen of Soul. RIP Aretha Franklin,” Shania wrote.
Reba recalled the time she covered “Respect” at the 1988 CMA Awards, calling Mrs. Franklin one of her many influences. Jon Pardi called the legend “one of [his] favorites,” while Cassadee Pope wrote she “represented strength and empowerment.” Margo Price, Rascal Flatts, Travis Tritt, Maggie Rose and more also reacted to Mrs. Franklin’s death. According to the family’s statement, funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days. Mrs. Franklin was 76.
Photo: Getty Images
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. pic.twitter.com/R2lxjXwDO8
— Faith Hill (@FaithHill) 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
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
One of my favorites. Rest In Peace ✌🏻 Queen of soul! #respect #youbetterthink #arethafranklin pic.twitter.com/vWDsYPPzhT
— Jon Pardi (@JonPardi) 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 greatest voice ever! Sending love and prayers to @ArethaFranklin family, friends and fans. Her music will live forever. RIP https://t.co/KiOR63E5Iw
— Travis Tritt (@Travistritt) August 16, 2018
Legends never die. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/7RL072nODe
— Margo Price (@MissMargoPrice) August 16, 2018
Raining in Tennessee for the #QueenOfSoul. Thank you, @ArethaFranklin ♥️ pic.twitter.com/n8iaIEg6eQ
— Maggie Rose (@IAmMaggieRose) 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
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