Gospel and R&B legend Aretha Franklin passed away at home in Detroit, Michigan, on Thursday, August 16, 2018, at the age of 76. DetroitGospel.com mourns the loss of this phenomenal and incomparable vocalist, pianist, composer, arranger, civil rights activist, philanthropist, and pillar of the community. Our prayers for continued comfort, strength and guidance go out to Ms. Franklin’s family, friends, and the fans throughout the world that she touched so profoundly.
Her longtime publicist, Gwendolyn Quinn, released the following statement:
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.”
Funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days.
