Aretha Franklin has passed away at the age of 76. According to Publicist Gwendolyn Quinn, the “Queen of Soul” died Thursday morning at 9:50 a.m. at her home in Detroit. In the Associated Press, the statement confirms: “Franklin’s official cause of death was due to advance pancreatic cancer of the neuroendocrine type, which was confirmed by Franklin’s oncologist, Dr. Philip Phillips of Karmanos Cancer Institute.”
The family responded: “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. 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.”
They continued, “We have been deeply touched by the incredible outpouring of love and support we have received from close friends, supporters and fans all around the world. Thank you for your compassion and prayers. We have felt your love for Aretha and it brings us comfort to know that her legacy will live on. As we grieve, we ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time.”
On Monday of this week, reports began to spread that Aretha Franklin was “gravely ill” in hospice care, surrounded by family and friends who were asking for prayers and privacy in Detroit.
Aretha Franklin – “I Say A Little Prayer”