Detroit, MI – Aretha Franklin, the much-celebrated Queen Soul, has died at the age 76 following a long battle with advanced pancreatic cancer.
The Memphis-born powerhouse, who was behind such timeless hits as “Respect” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” died on Thursday (August 16), according to the Associated Press.
News Franklin’s death comes hours after it was reported she was “at peace with her journey.”
Earlier in the week, it was revealed the Grammy Award-winning singer was “gravely ill” in a Detroit hospital. The announcement was followed by well wishes and tributes from Beyoncé, Missy Elliott, Mariah Carey and Jermaine Dupri, among others.
Franklin leaves behind a storied legacy, which began in the 1950s. Her most recent album, A Brand New Me, was released in 2017.
HipHopDX sends its condolences to Franklin’s friends and family.