Countless Musicians & Public Figures Pen Tributes To Aretha Franklin

Today, news broke that the Queen of Soul, Aretha Fraklin, died at the age of 76. Though reports began to surface that Franklin was “gravely ill” earlier in the week, the soul singer’s loss still has left the music community in shock. Since the announcement of Aretha’s death, countless artists and public figures have come forward, sharing their condolences and remembrances of the iconic singer. You can check out a few of the memorial posts below. Rest in power, Aretha. You will be deeply missed.

Former President and First Lady Barack and Michelle Obama

Barack and Michelle Obama on Aretha Franklin: “America has no royalty. But we do have a chance to earn something more enduring.” pic.twitter.com/xvdiypyr8B

— Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) August 16, 2018

Watching Aretha Franklin perform at the White House, and on so many other occasions, made time stand still. @BarackObama and I are holding Aretha’s family in our hearts right now. She will forever be our Queen of Soul. pic.twitter.com/NhHsbKijpl

— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) August 16, 2018

President Donald Trump

President Trump delivers a statement on the passing of Aretha Franklin. pic.twitter.com/RUBfWtx5ex

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) August 16, 2018

The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, is dead. She was a great woman, with a wonderful gift from God, her voice. She will be missed!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 16, 2018

Paul McCartney

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

Elton John

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

I was fortunate enough to spend time with her and witness her last performance – a benefit for @ejaf at St John The Divine Cathedral. She was obviously unwell, and I wasn’t sure she could perform. But Aretha did and she raised the roof.

— Elton John (@eltonofficial) August 16, 2018

She sang and played magnificently, and we all wept. We were witnessing the greatest soul artist of all time. I adored her and worshipped her talent. God bless her. My condolences to all her family and friends. We shared the same birthday – and that meant so much to me.

— Elton John (@eltonofficial) August 16, 2018

The whole world will miss her but will always rejoice in her remarkable legacy. The Queen is dead. Long live the Queen. #RIPArethaFranklin

Elton xx

— Elton John (@eltonofficial) August 16, 2018

Allman Brothers Band

Diana Ross

I’m sitting in prayer for the wonderful golden spirit Aretha Franklin.

— Ms. Ross (@DianaRoss) August 16, 2018

NASA

NASA remembers Aretha Franklin: “Asteroid 249516 Aretha, found by our NEOWISE mission and named after the singer…will keep orbiting beyond Mars.” https://t.co/HCXn1nfDNn pic.twitter.com/JJZf3brydl

— ABC News (@ABC) August 16, 2018

John Mayer

Quiet morning reflecting on the loss of the elemental Aretha Franklin. And the passage of time. The power of soul. The lifetime of devotion. The gift that proves a God. The voice of a hundred generations.

A post shared by John Mayer 💎 (@johnmayer) on Aug 16, 2018 at 11:41am PDT

Carole King

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

Brian Wilson

I’m very sad to hear about Aretha Franklin passing. She was one of the greatest and most emotional singers. I used to love listening to her in the sixties but her music is timeless. Love & Mercy to Aretha’s family and friends. pic.twitter.com/fFVKyjxIXT

— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) August 16, 2018

Lin-Manuel Miranda

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

John Legend

Salute to the Queen. The greatest vocalist I’ve ever known. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 #Aretha

— John Legend (@johnlegend) August 16, 2018

Thomas J. Dowd

Clive Davis

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

Betty LaVette

Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul. There was no one like her before and I doubt there ever will be again. Rest in peace, Soul Sister.

— Bettye LaVette (@BettyeLaVette) August 16, 2018

Christina Aguilera

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

Missy Elliott

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

Questlove

The 3 seconds it takes for #ArethaFranklin to oooooze out the words “Sittin around..” is as pure & creative & as honest as any singer I’ve ever seen when a performance goes beyond mere entertainment. THIS is what we need to get back to. where raw genius rises above marketing strategy & monetary reach & “likes” (because let’s face it, look at the Billboard singles/Spotify singles/ITunes singles—-could she even find space to develop this talent? Or just give up & get a reality show and pray this works out? Now figure out the legions of talent that we either dismissed or passed on today or even the mesmerizing talent we’ve been shown near this level that can’t even begin to thrive in this environment without some angle) for those not in the know & wanna know, with the exception of her yet to be seen Sidney Pollack documentary Amazing Grace (her best captured 2 hours 1972 in chu’ch, in her zone in south central Los Angeles—-w The Rolling Stones sitting IN THE DECON SECTION)—-this Performance at the #MontreuxJazzFestival in 71 is as good as it gets: as a singer, as a bandleader (midshow she calls an audible and the brass section just gives up playing & accepts they are just happy to have best seats in the house), as a piano player—-so underrated!—and the fact she has her ace band in tow too (#KingCurtis as MD & #BernardPurdie on drizzums)—-this is her most magical effortless skillful scientific talents on display. Long Live #QueenAretha.

A post shared by Questlove Gomez (@questlove) on Aug 16, 2018 at 7:49am PDT

Common

Aretha truly sang with the spirit of God in her. She is one the Greatest singers and voices to ever walk this planet. There is only one Queen of Soul and that’s you Aretha! Sing for the angels and make them cry. You are one of the greatest we have heard seen and felt. Love to you Queen. GOD bless your Soul.

A post shared by Common (@common) on Aug 16, 2018 at 7:55am PDT

Nas

Our gift from Heaven went Home. Thank You Queen. Aretha Franklin

A post shared by Nasir Jones (@nas) on Aug 16, 2018 at 7:57am PDT

Cat Power

Most heavenly🌹🌹🌹 The most incredible gifts you gave🌹🌹🌹 I will never forget how you impacted my young life, my young soul, my young love of the singer of the song🌹🌹🌹 This record made such an impact on my 16 year old self. I first saw you sing when I was 12, it was Amazing Grace and as a child, I was moved to tears, for the first time in song, for you showed me the pure sound of love & set my spirit free🌹🌹🌹 We love you Aretha, thank you for the blessings you bestowed❤️🦋❤️ 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

A post shared by CAT POWER (@catpowerofficial) on Aug 16, 2018 at 8:14am PDT

Zac Brown Band

Aretha Franklin was the baddest female vocalist of all time. The pinnacle of emotional expression through voice. It was in her soul & blood. She was raised in the church & you could feel it in each note. She filled hearts & souls with her divine voice. God Bless her & may she RIP pic.twitter.com/Ge3EuyUyXo

— Zac Brown Band (@zacbrownband) August 16, 2018

Nigel Hall

A few years ago, while playing with the Warren Haynes band, i was playing a private party for some very rich dude in his backyard where the bands were WHB, Trucks and Tedeschi, HERBIE HANCOCK, and the surprise guest (who nobody knew till it was time, ARETHA FRANKLIN. She got on stage after Herbie and said “how does one even think of touching a piano after Herbie Hancock?” Needless to say, she did not have any problems, as during her set, she even had Herbie making faces i only thought he could cause. She blew the roof off of that place and it was just her, no band. Only a queen could do that. Long live the queen. The incomparable, Aretha Louise Franklin. Rest easy “Re-re”.

A post shared by Nigel Hall (@thenigelhall) on Aug 16, 2018 at 10:04am PDT

Senator Debbie Stabenow

.@senstabenow tribute to Aretha Franklin from the Senate Floor. pic.twitter.com/HPkXLeUWv5

— CSPAN (@cspan) August 16, 2018

Reggie Watts

Aretha Franklin Rest In Peace. I’m so sad that you’re gone, you were a massive inspiration to all artists and lovers of soul. You effortlessly filled rooms with sincerity and passion. No current celebrated singer comes close to your genuineness and connection to soul. May there be a yet to be discovered heir to your sincere and naturalistic throne. I’ll miss you deeply…♥️

A post shared by Reggie Watts (@reggiewatts) on Aug 16, 2018 at 11:31am PDT

Bonnie Raitt

fr BRHQ – “You know it doesn’t get any better than Aretha Franklin.” Bonnie duets with Aretha on “Since You Been Gone” April 21, 1993 #ArethaFranklin #QueenOfSoul https://t.co/4ox50N2oY4

— Bonnie Raitt (@TheBonnieRaitt) August 16, 2018