Today we lost a true legend. Ms. Aretha Franklin passed away this morning surrounded by family and friends at her home in Detroit. She was 76.

Aretha Franklin was truly a cultural icon and her music is timeless. She inspired so many female singers from around the world. She also inspired many women and had a great impact on the African American community.

My parents introduced me to Aretha’s music when I was a young girl. It is because of them I have such a strong love for her music. (In fact, I play her music often when I am writing.)

It’s hard for me to choose a favorite Aretha Franklin song because I love them all. But if I had to choose, two songs come to mind:

“(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”

“I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love You)”

I also remember dancing to “Freeway of Love” when I was a young girl. I was taking a dance class through daycare and it was one of the songs we learned for a dance routine. Little ole me didn’t even have clue, at the time, who the great singer was that was playing on the boombox.

Earlier this morning, the late singer’s publicist Gwendolyn Quinn released a statement on behalf of Aretha Franklin’s family. From Click On Detroit WDIV:

It is with deep and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Aretha Louise Franklin, the Queen of Soul, in a statement issued by Franklin’s family through her longtime publicist, Gwendolyn Quinn.

Franklin, 76 years old, passed away on Thursday morning, August 16 at 9:50 a.m. at her home in Detroit, MI, surrounded by family and loved ones. 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 in Detroit, MI.

“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.”

“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.”

Hannah Giorgis for The Atlantic wrote in an article today that “The Queen of Soul…didn’t just perform; she enraptured. Franklin sang with a power and conviction that healed. She transformed pain — both others’ and her own— into jubilation. This alchemy was studied, strenuous. Aretha Franklin gave us, her listeners, everything.”

On the passing of Aretha Franklin, President Barak Obama said:

From Oprah:

I also loved what Paul McCartney expressed on Twitter:

 

Our condolences, love, and prayers go out to Aretha Franklin’s family and friends. Thank you, Ms. Franklin, for sharing your beautiful gift of song and music. You will be forever missed.

Rest in peace, Queen. 

xoxo

 

Feature image courtesy of ArethaFranklin.net.

Written by

Jennifer Hamra

Freelance creative Jennifer Hamra created her blog Good Life Detroit in 2015 after relocating from Tennessee to Southeast Michigan.

Inspired by her love for personal blogging and photography, Jennifer likes to share her favorite Detroit things, from cool places to visit (the hidden gems are her favorite!) to the amazing people she has connected with over the years.

When she's not busy juggling family life and her creative projects, you can find her at an art gallery, community event, farmers market, or spending quiet time at home with a good book and cup of tea.

Jennifer lives in the metro Detroit area with her husband Travis and their six children.

Connect with Jennifer on social media @goodlifedetroit on all social media platforms or via email at [email protected].