Diana Ross, Christina Aguilera, Kelly Rowland & More React To Aretha Franklin’s Death
Pop stars, celebrities and politicians have taken to social media to react to news of the death of Aretha Franklin. The undisputed Queen of Soul passed away this morning following a battle with pancreatic cancer. Earlier this week reports broke of her poor health, prompting an outpouring of love for the 76-year-old icon from the likes of Ciara, Mariah Carey and Missy Elliott. Today (August 16) everyone from Diana Ross, Paul McCartney and Carole King to Christina Aguilera and Hillary Clinton have reflected on the loss of the legendary artist.
Posting a photo of the two from 2012, Barbra Streisand mourned the loss. “It’s difficult to conceive of a world without her,” she wrote on Instagram. “Not only was she a uniquely brilliant singer, but her commitment to civil rights made an indelible impact on the world.” McCartney shared a similarly evocative message. “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.” Meanwhile, Ross announced that she was “sitting in prayer for the wonderful golden spirit Aretha Franklin.” Close friend Smokey Robinson said farewell. “This morning my longest friend in this world went home to be with our Father. I will miss her so much but I know she’s at peace.”
Recognizing her as a timeless inspiration, Adam Lambert referred to the “I Say A Little Prayer” icon as “THE voice of generations.” Christina also lauded the siren for her impact on future artists. “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,” she wrote. Shania Twain and others who had the opportunity to take the stage with Aretha over the years looked back on the moments as historic. “It was an honor to meet and perform with the Queen of Soul. RIP Aretha Franklin,” Twain wrote. Hillary Clinton shared a message of her own. “She deserves not only our RESPECT but also our lasting gratitude for opening our eyes, ears and hearts. Rest in eternal peace, my friend.”
Others who have shared messages include Elton John, Patti LaBelle, Ariana Grande, Chance The Rapper, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Bette Midler, Clive Davis and more. Scroll through some of the messages of love and respect below.
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
Aretha Franklin. The Queen of Soul. The Icon. The ultimate singers' singer. The greatest singer and musician of my lifetime. The power of your voice in music and in civil rights blew open the door for me and so many others. You were my inspiration, my mentor and my friend. pic.twitter.com/YDQL2zzgdM
— Mariah Carey (@MariahCarey) August 16, 2018
The world lost an incredibly talented woman today. Rest In Peace, @ArethaFranklin… your legacy and music will forever inspire us and future generations pic.twitter.com/me6FiFo1lM
— Britney Spears (@britneyspears) August 16, 2018
♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ☁️ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ pic.twitter.com/J2Y1eEbSXo
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) August 16, 2018
forever ♡ pic.twitter.com/E4JopV0ffT
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) August 16, 2018
Rest easy #ARETHAFRANKLIN I imagine u in heaven performing & still making people souls move this was my aunt favorite record #RockSteady you will always be the Queen of Soul you been that before many of us were born! Thank you for giving us LEGENDARY TIMELESS music ❤️ pic.twitter.com/bEueBCLGJ9
— Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) August 16, 2018
Forever and ever you’ll stay in my heart. The queen of soul. Your legacy and music will live on for many lifetimes. Rest In Peace Aretha Franklin ❤️ pic.twitter.com/OPvZWf7zfD
— DUA LIPA (@DUALIPA) August 16, 2018
Today we have lost one of the greatest. She will always be remembered and admired. Aretha Franklin, rest in peace. We love you.
— Ricky Martin (@ricky_martin) August 16, 2018
this is truly a sad day. rest peacefully queen. icon. my sincere condolences to her family. #ArethaFranklin
— KELENDRIA ROWLAND (@KELLYROWLAND) August 16, 2018
Salute to the Queen. The greatest vocalist I've ever known. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 #Aretha
— John Legend (@johnlegend) August 16, 2018
RIP THE GOAT THE QUEEN… pic.twitter.com/fxnSTfFNKT
— Diddy (@Diddy) August 16, 2018
I’m sitting in prayer for the wonderful golden spirit Aretha Franklin.
— Ms. Ross (@DianaRoss) 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
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
Our love & prayers are with the family & loved ones of the beloved Queen of Soul. From Dr. King’s funeral to President Obama’s inauguration, @ArethaFranklin touched the soul of our nation, and the world. Her loss will be deeply felt by all. pic.twitter.com/1j5N2uk5Lr
— Nancy Pelosi (@NancyPelosi) 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
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
This is the face of a young man who couldn't believe he was actually singing with the GREATEST OF ALL TIME. Thank you, Ms. Franklin for blessing us with your incomparable gift. Honored to have shared the stage with you even for a moment. Always bowing down to you. #QueenofSoul pic.twitter.com/4bZVAWcqeS
— Justin Timberlake (@jtimberlake) August 16, 2018
This morning my longest friend in this world went home to be with our Father. I will miss her so much but I know she’s at peace. #QueenOfSoul pic.twitter.com/UatS3U3YXe
— Smokey Robinson (@smokey_robinson) August 16, 2018
RESPECT. Her legendary voice came straight from God. Now her soul is with Him. Thank you Aretha. 💛💛 pic.twitter.com/Zhm1faBhX1
— Fergie (@Fergie) 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
Aretha. The Queen of Soul. As singers, we all aspire to her passion, authenticity, and power. Her talents, gifts and contributions changed hearts and touched lives. She was and remains a national treasure. Rest in Power Queen. pic.twitter.com/jW1b93Hoff
— Jennifer Nettles (@JenniferNettles) August 16, 2018
The Lord has come to take my “Soul Sister” home. Aretha Franklin was a true Icon in Detroit and around the world. My prayers go out to the family during this time. Her legacy and friendship will forever be remembered-Martha Reeves
— MARTHA REEVES (@MARTHAREEVESvan) August 16, 2018
We have lost the greatest singer of our time. As a songwriter, I know personally how meaningful a gifted interpreter of material can be.
No one can replace her.
– Billy Joel pic.twitter.com/7QZQ1IzSD8
— Billy Joel (@billyjoel) 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
Remember when she stepped in last minute for Pavarotti at the Grammys and just shook us all to our core and made us question the universe by singing Nessun Dorma? #RipArethaFranklin https://t.co/Fg5tbxpl9R
— shonda rhimes (@shondarhimes) 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
I'm saddened to learn that Aretha Franklin has passed.The most soulful and inspirational singer of our time. / Je suis attristée d'apprendre le décès d’Aretha Franklin. La chanteuse la plus inspirante de notre époque. – Céline xx… : Kevin Mazur https://t.co/3Tz7G2W205 pic.twitter.com/Q5DtmJ1IVa
— Celine Dion (@celinedion) August 16, 2018
Her voice; her presence; her styleNo one did it betterTruly the Queen of SoulI will miss you!@ArethaFranklin #QueenOfSoul pic.twitter.com/Gw5XEhsxjH
— Lionel Richie (@LionelRichie) August 16, 2018
Aretha helped define the American experience. In her voice, we could feel our history, all of it and in every shade—our power and our pain, our darkness and our light, our quest for redemption and our hard-won respect. May the Queen of Soul rest in eternal peace. pic.twitter.com/bfASqKlLc5
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 16, 2018
All my love to the Queen of Soul. Aretha Franklin paved the way for so many of us in music. Her voice & legacy will never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/HbLnVTVaTu
— Usher Raymond IV (@Usher) August 16, 2018
Aretha the Queen. Aretha Franklin epitomized that fierce black woman soul with just enough touch of pain in her vibrato, to make every human bow down to those precious vocals that only she could produce. May the heavens above shout with eternal pride, R-E-S-P-E-C-T!
— Tyra Banks (@tyrabanks) August 16, 2018
Iconic. Beyond any level of fierce. The way she brought Obama to tears, tossed her fur coat to the ground, and effortlessly hit every single note with so much passion and love for the sound. https://t.co/nncoLpaoIq
— Tyra Banks (@tyrabanks) August 16, 2018
Queen Aretha. Rest in Power. pic.twitter.com/xPUiz6P21A
— Zendaya (@Zendaya) August 16, 2018
Goodbye, Mrs Franklin, goodbye queen of soul. May your transition into the next phase be peaceful. There was not , will not be another Aretha Franklin. What a real day of loss. Beyond legend. Beyond icon. What a sad day for the whole world . https://t.co/9sOO0z9oHq pic.twitter.com/7rEKChe8Rh
— Beth Ditto (@bethditto) August 16, 2018
Whether it was Gospel, Blues, Jazz, R&B, Pop,or Civil Rights, Aretha Franklin was the greatest gift and the voice of a generation. She could turn any song into a hymn. She will be greatly missed here on earth, but that band in heaven just got our AngelRest In Peace Aretha
— Willie Nelson (@WillieNelson) August 16, 2018
RIP Aretha FranklinYour music has touched many and will continue to
— louis (@LouisTheChild) August 16, 2018
YALL DONT UNDERSTAND WE JUST LOST THE QUEEN!! I WILL MISS YOU ARETHA FRANKLIN SO MANY NIGHTS YOUR MUSIC SAVED MY LIFE!! REST IN PEACE!!
— Leslie Jones (@Lesdoggg) August 16, 2018
Rest In Peace Aretha ❤️
— The Knocks (@theknocks) August 16, 2018
It was a double thrill for me to perform on the stage of the Metropolitan Opera on my 85th birthday and have the Queen of Soul (and heart) Aretha Franklin singing with me….she will be missed by the world. pic.twitter.com/74VM9IYejI
— Tony Bennett (@itstonybennett) August 16, 2018
What a life. What a legacy! So much love, respect and gratitude.R.I.P. @ArethaFranklin https://t.co/400K1U5IHI
— Carole King (@Carole_King) August 16, 2018
We’ll miss you Queen. #ArethaQueenForever pic.twitter.com/hus3lw5pwG
— Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) August 16, 2018
Aretha Franklin was so much more than a great entertainer. She inspired. She gave hope. She was part of the soul of the civil rights movement. We won't see her like again.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) August 16, 2018
You’ve given us timeless music that will forever live in our hearts. You were truly one of a kind. May you Rest In Peace Beautiful Queen. #ArethaFranklin pic.twitter.com/tSXoSjAg0J
— Ciara (@ciara) August 16, 2018
I have loved Aretha Franklin’s music my entire life, and her music has played in our audience for 15 years. My heart goes out to her family. #RESPECT #QueenofSoul
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) August 16, 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
Apart from our long professional relationship, Aretha was my friend. Her loss is deeply profound and my heart is full of sadness. (2/2)
— Clive Davis (@CliveDavis) 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
rest in power Queen your legacy will never be forgotten pic.twitter.com/NOQy7E2CdY
— Snoop Dogg (@SnoopDogg) August 16, 2018
Rest in peace Aretha. ❤ pic.twitter.com/QT7HeY5SIf
— Patti LaBelle (@MsPattiPatti) August 16, 2018
Aretha, your music set a standard for every single lady in this industry to rise to. You have touched minds, hearts and spirits, including my own. I pray you have a smooth journey Ree Ree and hopefully I'll get to sing with you in the Heavenly choir. Love you #QueenOfSoul pic.twitter.com/Rrw6JjDtCg
— Gladys Knight (@MsGladysKnight) August 16, 2018
Been listening to this for the past couple of days. What an amazing illustration of the spirit that is @ArethaFranklin Listen to this, look up to the stars and know she is with the Master now.https://t.co/tjxCIzmciX
— Pharrell Williams (@Pharrell) 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
God bless Aretha Franklin the queen of soul and peace and love to her family 😎✌️🌟💖🎵🎶☮️
— #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) August 16, 2018
RESPECT!!! REST IN PEACE AND POWER OUR TRUE QUEEN ARETHA FRANKLIN. IT WAS AN HONOR TO HAVE MET YOU AND WORKED WITH YOU #QUEENOFSOUL #ROYALTY #BLACKEXCELLENCEATITSBEST #LEGEND pic.twitter.com/RBIzD0dxaI
— Naomi Campbell (@NaomiCampbell) August 16, 2018
Always loved you, always will @ArethaFranklin. Not only the Queen of Soul but the queen of all our hearts. – Sir Rod xxx pic.twitter.com/bRAhQcPETw
— Sir Rod Stewart (@rodstewart) 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
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
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
RIP Aretha Franklin 💔💔💔😩😢
— TEYANA M.J. SHUMPERT (@TEYANATAYLOR) August 16, 2018
Lucky enough to have seen Aretha live exactly once, and this was it. Thank you for the music, we will be listening to you forever https://t.co/aMHIBFaTAs
— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) August 16, 2018
RIP Aretha Franklin
— Gucci Mane (@gucci1017) 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
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
RIP Aretha. There was none better, was listening to your music today, won’t stop listening. 🙏. #RIPAretha pic.twitter.com/qdlJ97A2Xw
— Ryan Tedder (@RyanTedder) August 16, 2018
#ArethaFranklin 😢 THE voice of generations. RIP.
— ADAM LAMBERT (@adamlambert) August 16, 2018
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