Aretha Franklin Dead at 76: Ava DuVernay, Hugh Jackman, Lena Waithe and More Honor the Queen of Soul
Aretha Franklin, the music legend and “Queen of Soul,” has passed away at the age of 76. Franklin’s death was confirmed by her publicist Gwendolyn Quinn, who said the singer passed away at her home in Detroit.
“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,” Quinn said in a statement. “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.”
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Franklin is widely considered one of the most iconic R&B vocalists in music history. The artist won 18 Grammy Awards across her career and was notable for being the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. Her numerous hits include “Respect,” “Natural Woman,” “I Say a Little Prayer,” and “Think.”
In the wake of Franklin’s death, numerous directors and actors have taken to social media to honor the legacy and life of the soul singer. Hollywood stars paying tribute to Franklin include Ava DuVernay, Hugh Jackman, Lena Waithe, and more. Check out the reactions below.
One of the highlights of my career was singing with #ArethaFranklin at The Tony Awards. It was an out of body experience for me. One of greatest singers of all time. You will be missed by all. https://t.co/L8dIIhyR9Y
— Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) August 16, 2018
The world won’t be the same without you in it.
You will always have our utmost respect. #RipArethaFranklin pic.twitter.com/0DMI3PZfjI— Lena Waithe (@LenaWaithe) August 16, 2018
R E S P E C T
— Jamie Lee Curtis (@jamieleecurtis) August 16, 2018
“Looking out on the morning rain
I used to feel so uninspired
And when I knew
I had to face another day
Lord, it made me feel so tired
Before the day I met you
Life was so unkind
But you’re the key to
My peace of mind.”
Her voice/swagger was peerless.
Thank you, #ArethaFranklin pic.twitter.com/5gp0OP10Jf— Ava DuVernay (@ava) August 16, 2018
Salute to the Queen. The greatest vocalist I've ever known.
— John Legend (@johnlegend) August 16, 2018
We Will Always Love You Aretha We Will Always Speak Your Name And Give RESPECT. ~Lish and Debbie
#arethafranklinpic.twitter.com/kUFoqoMxiA
— Debbie Allen (@msdebbieallen) August 16, 2018
May she rest among the stars. https://t.co/y4luLyQizI
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) August 16, 2018
The greatest voice in American popular music has been stilled. Our beloved #ArethaFranklin has gone. For me, she was a musical lighthouse, guiding and inspiring with every note. I loved her so and love her still. Goodbye, Queen of Soul.
— Bette Midler (@BetteMidler) August 16, 2018
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
There will never be another Queen of Soul. Aretha Franklin is the embodiment of a soul blessed with a special gift. Grateful we have decades of recordings that will live on. Long Live The Queen. #RIPAretha
— Andy Cohen (@Andy) August 16, 2018
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