When news broke of Aretha Franklin‘s ailing health, many took to social media to give the music icon and activist her flowers. Thousands of fans and fellow musicians praised Franklin for her vocal prowess and her historical significance in music and in civil rights.
Now that “The Queen of Soul” has passed, and mourning on a national scale has taken place. Public figures from across all fields—music, entertainment, and politics—have chosen to share warm words and condolences about Aretha Franklin.
The 18-time Grammy-award winning artist was 76-year-old and lost her battle with cancer on Thursday, August 16, 2018.
READ MORE: Watch Aretha Franklin’s Final Performance In Detroit
Rest easy #ARETHAFRANKLIN I imagine u in heaven performing & still making people souls move?? this was my aunt favorite record #RockSteady you will always be the Queen of Soul you been that before many of us were born! Thank you for giving us LEGENDARY TIMELESS music ??❤️ pic.twitter.com/bEueBCLGJ9
— Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) August 16, 2018
God Bless the Queen! pic.twitter.com/Lua0ESTGfs
— Ice Cube (@icecube) August 16, 2018
Rest In Peace QUEEN. arethasings ?? https://t.co/MptpX7gTlj
— The Goat (@thegame) August 16, 2018
The moment I wake up, before I put on my make up, I say a little prayer for you
— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) August 16, 2018
R.I.P. Aretha Franklin Queen Of Soul ??
— juicy j (@therealjuicyj) August 16, 2018
— Ms. Lauryn Hill (@MsLaurynHill) August 16, 2018
https://twitter.com/9thwonder/status/1030093664717078528
RIP Aretha Franklin
— Gucci Mane (@gucci1017) August 16, 2018
Rest well Queen you gave this world so much light & Love ?????????????? https://t.co/uvXxcDKAkh
— SWIZZ BEATZ (@THEREALSWIZZZ) August 16, 2018
https://twitter.com/TalibKweli/status/1030104844269481989
https://twitter.com/JheneAiko/status/1030104186266869761
Been listening to this for the past couple of days. What an amazing illustration of the spirit that is @ArethaFranklin
Listen to this, look up to the stars and know she is with the Master now.https://t.co/tjxCIzmciX— Pharrell Williams (@Pharrell) August 16, 2018
RIP Aretha Franklin, The Queen of Soul.
— Queen Roe (@Thee_LoLaMonroe) August 16, 2018
Rest In Paradise, Queen. #ArethaFranklin pic.twitter.com/vmGH8yV28M
— Boi-1da.com (@boi1dacom) August 16, 2018
this is truly a sad day. rest peacefully queen. icon. my sincere condolences to her family. #ArethaFranklin
— KELENDRIA ROWLAND (@KELLYROWLAND) 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
I’m sitting in prayer for the wonderful golden spirit Aretha Franklin.
— Ms. Ross (@DianaRoss) August 16, 2018
Rest in peace Aretha. ❤ pic.twitter.com/QT7HeY5SIf
— Patti LaBelle (@MsPattiPatti) August 16, 2018
READ MORE: Watch Aretha Franklin’s Final Performance
One of the greatest voices of all time has been silenced. My dear friend Aretha Franklin has passed. Even though her music will live on forever, the sound, the voice, and the inspiration of the Queen of Soul can never be matched. Farewell, Aretha.
— Maxine Waters (@RepMaxineWaters) August 16, 2018
Salute to the Queen. The greatest vocalist I've ever known. ?????????? #Aretha
— John Legend (@johnlegend) August 16, 2018
I’m absolutely devastated by Aretha’s passing. She was truly one of a kind. She was more than the Queen of Soul. She was a national treasure to be cherished by every generation throughout the world. (1/2)
— Clive Davis (@CliveDavis) August 16, 2018
Apart from our long professional relationship, Aretha was my friend. Her loss is deeply profound and my heart is full of sadness. (2/2)
— Clive Davis (@CliveDavis) 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
The Queen of Soul has left this earth to sit on her throne in heaven. How blessed we were to hear the best that God had to offer in her voice. RESPECT!
?: Mark Seliger pic.twitter.com/v9OxtyrZ74— Lenny Kravitz (@LennyKravitz) August 16, 2018
What a life. What a legacy!
So much love, respect and gratitude.
R.I.P. @ArethaFranklin https://t.co/400K1U5IHI— Carole King (@Carole_King) August 16, 2018
This photo was taken in 2012 when Aretha & I performed at a tribute celebration for our friend Marvin Hamlisch. It’s difficult to conceive of a world without her. Not only was she a uniquely brilliant singer,but her commitment to civil rights made an indelible impact on the world pic.twitter.com/Px9zVB90MM
— Barbra Streisand (@BarbraStreisand) August 16, 2018
There are many R&B artists, Pop artists, Hip Hop artists, Country music artists, Rock Stars, etc. etc.
AINT BUT ONE QUEEN!!!!!
AINT BUT ONE QUEEN OF SOUL!!!!!!!!Period!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/NajR8SuaQT— Steve Harvey (@IAmSteveHarvey) August 16, 2018
#QUEEN OF SOUL ?? #RIP #RESPECT #ArethaFranklin pic.twitter.com/zKyRqMMT7l
— Timbaland (@Timbaland) August 16, 2018
RIP Aretha Franklin
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) August 16, 2018
We mourn the passing of Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul. Her voice will keep lifting us, through the music she gave the world. Our thoughts are with her family, her loved ones and fans everywhere. Take her hand, precious Lord, and lead her home. ? pic.twitter.com/I84HTEVZU1
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) August 16, 2018
Aretha Franklin… the Queen is gone. Long live the Queen!
— LeVar Burton (@levarburton) August 16, 2018
https://twitter.com/AriLennox/status/1030098172960329729
Aretha was such a timeless inspiration to me and so many others, the ultimate queen, thank you for the gift of your voice, music and unshakeable soul ?? pic.twitter.com/me3FXBY4WZ
— Christina Aguilera (@xtina) August 16, 2018
Say a little prayer. We love you Aretha.
— Nineteen85 (@Nineteen85) August 16, 2018
Aretha Franklin’s “Amazing Grace” is still the greatest gospel album ever made. It was the soundtrack to so many Sundays in Black America.
— Marc Lamont Hill (@marclamonthill) August 16, 2018
READ MORE: Aretha Franklin Tribute Concert Reportedly Set For Madison Square Garden
RIP Aretha Franklin ?????
— TEYANA M.J. SHUMPERT (@TEYANATAYLOR) August 16, 2018
Today we have lost one of the greatest. She will always be remembered and admired. Aretha Franklin, rest in peace. We love you.
— Ricky Martin (@ricky_martin) August 16, 2018
Rest in paradise Aretha Franklin. Thank you for your energy ??✨
— Cyn Santana (@Cyn_Santana) August 16, 2018
The loss of @ArethaFranklin is a blow for everybody who loves real music: Music from the heart, the soul and the Church. Her voice was unique, her piano playing underrated – she was one of my favourite pianists. pic.twitter.com/ug5oZYywAz
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) August 16, 2018
“a rose is still a rose baby girl you’re still a flower ? “ @arethafranklin • pic.twitter.com/ZnOnxLG8gt
— MAXWELL (@_MAXWELL_) August 16, 2018
The last time I saw Aretha… #lovedher#LongLivetheQueen pic.twitter.com/xw5qZNt5Q2
— LeVar Burton (@levarburton) August 16, 2018
R.I.P to an all time G.O.A.T. Aretha Franklin!
— Dennis Rodman (@dennisrodman) August 16, 2018
Let’s all take a moment to give thanks for the beautiful life of Aretha Franklin, the Queen of our souls, who inspired us all for many many years. She will be missed but the memory of her greatness as a musician and a fine human being will live with us forever. Love Paul pic.twitter.com/jW4Gpwfdts
— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) August 16, 2018
Queen watching you in this moment celebrate your birthday I thanked God for blessing me with the gift of Aretha. You taught me the meaning of “Young, Gifted and Black” and you taught all people RESPECT. My heart hurts but the faith we often discussed is comfort as tears flow. pic.twitter.com/ybJZlrt0Sc
— Tamron Hall (@tamronhall) August 16, 2018
S.I.P @ArethaFranklin thank you God for allowing me the opportunity to produce a record for her. True legend.
— Stevie J. (@hitmansteviej) August 16, 2018
Mourning the loss today of @ArethaFranklin who shared her spirit and talent with the world. She deserves not only our RESPECT but also our lasting gratitude for opening our eyes, ears and hearts. Rest in eternal peace, my friend.
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) August 16, 2018
RIP Aretha Franklin ?????
— TEYANA M.J. SHUMPERT (@TEYANATAYLOR) August 16, 2018
I treasured every moment that we spent together from working in the recording studio, to performing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, or simply hangin’ in the kitchen, & I will miss her dearly. RIP Ree-Ree…You will reign as the Queen forever. pic.twitter.com/Gyr3q13n8P
— Quincy Jones (@QuincyDJones) August 16, 2018
Watching Aretha Franklin perform at the White House, and on so many other occasions, made time stand still. @BarackObama and I are holding Aretha’s family in our hearts right now. She will forever be our Queen of Soul. pic.twitter.com/NhHsbKijpl
— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) August 16, 2018
Aretha helped define the American experience. In her voice, we could feel our history, all of it and in every shade—our power and our pain, our darkness and our light, our quest for redemption and our hard-won respect. May the Queen of Soul rest in eternal peace. pic.twitter.com/bfASqKlLc5
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 16, 2018
We’ll miss you Queen. #ArethaQueenForever pic.twitter.com/hus3lw5pwG
— Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) August 16, 2018
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Aretha Franklin.
Aretha was a groundbreaker and an icon whose legacy will live on forever. pic.twitter.com/dmYrfpDOjC
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) August 16, 2018
READ MORE: Aretha Franklin Speaks Out After Death Rumors Swarm The Internet