Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, has died in her Detroit home.
Her publicist has confirmed she is dead at the age of 76. Earlier this week it was disclosed she was in a palliative state and her health was failing.
She was born in Memphis Tenn. back in 1942 and sang gospel music before starting her mainstream career at the age of 18.
Her best-known hits include Respect and (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman. She won more than a dozen Grammys and sold 75 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling artists of all time.
According to a statement from Franklin's family released by publicist Gwendolyn Quin the family is, "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."
The family is asking from privacy while they come to grips with Franklin's death.
"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," according to the statement.
Tributes are pouring in from around the world.
Eric Alper is a music industry expert and told AM800 listeners on the Lynn Martin Show Franklin was among the greatest singers of all time.
He added she was not only a great singer, she had huge popularity selling 75-million records around the world.
In 1987, she became the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1994.
