Heartbroken celebrities pay tribute to 'Queen of Soul' Aretha Franklin

Taryn Ryder

The music industry and fans everywhere are mourning the loss of the inimitable Queen of Soul. Aretha Franklin passed away Thursday at age 76 at her Detroit home, surrounded by family and friends.

Tributes immediately started pouring in from those who were lucky enough to know Franklin and those who admired and appreciated all that the legend did for the music industry. Elton John declared Franklin’s death a “blow for everybody who loves real music.”

Celebrities pay tribute to Aretha Franklin after her death
Aretha Franklin performed at the Elton John AIDS Foundation in New York City last year. (Photo: Nicholas Hunt/WireImage)

Clive Davis, who executive-produced many of her successful records after she left Atlantic Records in 1979, mourned the loss of his longtime friend and collaborator.

Barack Obama and Michelle Obama wrote touching tributes.

President Trump called Franklin “a great woman.”

Hillary Clinton tweeted, “She deserves not only our RESPECT but also our lasting gratitude for opening our eyes, ears and hearts.”

While Diana Ross said she’s “sitting in prayer” for Franklin’s spirit.

John Legend declared Franklin “the greatest vocalist I’ve ever known.”

Soul singer Sam Moore released the following statement: “Aretha Franklin and I have been friends and label mates for more than sixty years. I adored her and I know the feelings were mutual. While I’m heartbroken that she’s gone I know she’s in the Lord’s arms and she’s not in pain or suffering anymore from the damn cancer that took her away from us. I’m going to hope, pray and count on the fact that I will see her again sometime. Rest in the Lord’s arms in love, Re.”

See more reactions from Chris Rock, Paul McCartney, Barbara Streisand, Kate Hudson, Carole King, and more below:

Oh queen oh queen how I cry to see you go. Like so many others I share the sadness of this loss. A true inspiration, a constant listen in my youth. I remember going deep into her B sides and live performances, always in awe of her ability. To discover the effortlessness of her gift, to take it in and experience the tones that shaped my love for singing. Her instrument like no other. Magic, pure magic. Thank you Aretha.

A post shared by Kate Hudson (@katehudson) on Aug 16, 2018 at 7:28am PDT

I just finished interviews in Berlin, and was informed the mighty @ArethaFranklin has passed. RIPArethaFranklin #TheQueenofSoul

A post shared by Nile Rodgers (@nilerodgers) on Aug 16, 2018 at 7:22am PDT

Best voice ever. Miss you already.

A post shared by Chris Rock (@chrisrock) on Aug 16, 2018 at 7:25am PDT

I have no words , so I will let the Queen say it ! But I will Say while teaching me about your life , u taught me so much about life and schooled me in mine . I will never forget those teachings #riparethafranklin

A post shared by Jennifer Hudson (@iamjhud) on Aug 16, 2018 at 11:00am PDT

Sad day for many. I miss you already Ms. Franklin ..❤🙏🏽❤

A post shared by Lee Daniels (@theoriginalbigdaddy) on Aug 16, 2018 at 8:08am PDT

RIP, Aretha.

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