Stars Pay Tribute To Aretha Franklin

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The Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin lost her battle with pancreatic cancer yesterday. Aretha touched many people’s lives, and as you can imagine, many famous names were quick to share their thoughts on the legendary singer, in many poignant ways. Among the tributes: 

• “For more than six decades since, every time she sang, we were all graced with a glimpse of the divine,” Barack and Michelle Obama said of Aretha. “Through her compositions and unmatched musicianship, Aretha helped define the American experience….Aretha may have passed on to a better place, but the gift of her music remains to inspire us all.” 

• "She worked for me on numerous occasions. She was terrific," President Donald Trump said at his Cabinet meeting. "She brought joy to millions of lives and her extraordinary legacy will thrive and inspire many generations to come. She was given a great gift from God – her voice, and she used (it) well. People loved Aretha. She was a special woman. So just want to pass on my warmest, best wishes and sympathies to her family."

Of course, many celebrities took to social media to pay tribute to the legendary entertainer. Among the tributes:

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

Like people all around the world, Hillary and I are thinking about Aretha Franklin tonight & listening to her music that has been such an important part of our lives the last 50 years. We hope you’ll lift her up by listening and sharing her songs that have meant the most to you.

— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) August 14, 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

This morning my longest friend in this world went home to be with our Father. I will miss her so much but I know she’s at peace. #QueenOfSoul pic.twitter.com/UatS3U3YXe

— Smokey Robinson (@smokey_robinson) August 16, 2018

I’m sitting in prayer for the wonderful golden spirit Aretha Franklin.

— Ms. Ross (@DianaRoss) 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

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

As the One and Only ‘Queen of Soul’ Aretha Franklin was simply peerless. She has reigned supreme. and will always be held in the highest firmament of stars as the most exceptional vocalist, performer and recording artist the world has ever been privilege… https://t.co/7DH7TIP3Nl pic.twitter.com/HfQh7kLM4o

— Annie Lennox (@AnnieLennox) August 16, 2018

Aretha Franklin. The Queen of Soul. The Icon. The ultimate singers' singer. The greatest singer and musician of my lifetime. The power of your voice in music and in civil rights blew open the door for me and so many others. You were my inspiration, my mentor and my friend. pic.twitter.com/QD9pxvGLLh

— Mariah Carey (@MariahCarey) August 16, 2018

I'm saddened to learn that Aretha Franklin has passed.The most soulful and inspirational singer of our time. / Je suis attristée d'apprendre le décès d’Aretha Franklin. La chanteuse la plus inspirante de notre époque. - Céline xx…
📸 : Kevin Mazur https://t.co/3Tz7G2W205 pic.twitter.com/Q5DtmJ1IVa

— Celine Dion (@celinedion) 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

We’ll miss you Queen. #ArethaQueenForever pic.twitter.com/hus3lw5pwG

— Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) August 16, 2018

I have loved Aretha Franklin’s music my entire life, and her music has played in our audience for 15 years. My heart goes out to her family. #RESPECT #QueenofSoul

— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) 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

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

Amidst all the vitriol and rancor surrounding us... today, thinking about Aretha, listening to her music, it helps us transcend to a higher place. A more honest place. Her voice feels like we’re being hugged. Rest now, Ms. Franklin. The Queen of Soul will help cleanse our souls.

— Bryan Cranston (@BryanCranston) August 16, 2018

rest in power Queen 👑 your legacy will never be forgotten 🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/NOQy7E2CdY

— Snoop Dogg (@SnoopDogg) August 16, 2018

Aretha, your music set a standard for every single lady in this industry to rise to. You have touched minds, hearts and spirits, including my own. I pray you have a smooth journey Ree Ree and hopefully I'll get to sing with you in the Heavenly choir. Love you #QueenOfSoul pic.twitter.com/Rrw6JjDtCg

— Gladys Knight (@MsGladysKnight) August 16, 2018

It was a double thrill for me to perform on the stage of the Metropolitan Opera on my 85th birthday and have the Queen of Soul (and heart) Aretha Franklin singing with me....she will be missed by the world. pic.twitter.com/74VM9IYejI

— Tony Bennett (@itstonybennett) August 16, 2018

God bless Aretha Franklin the queen of soul and peace and love to her family 😎✌️🌟💖🎵🎶☮️

— #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) August 16, 2018

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

Rest in peace Aretha. ❤ pic.twitter.com/QT7HeY5SIf

— Patti LaBelle (@MsPattiPatti) 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

All my love to the Queen of Soul. Aretha Franklin paved the way for so many of us in music. Her voice & legacy will never be forgotten. 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/HbLnVTVaTu

— Usher Raymond IV (@Usher) August 16, 2018

This is the face of a young man who couldn't believe he was actually singing with the GREATEST OF ALL TIME. Thank you, Ms. Franklin for blessing us with your incomparable gift. Honored to have shared the stage with you even for a moment. Always bowing down to you. #QueenofSoul pic.twitter.com/4bZVAWcqeS

— Justin Timberlake (@jtimberlake) August 16, 2018

Whether it was Gospel, Blues, Jazz, R&B, Pop,or Civil Rights, Aretha Franklin was the greatest gift and the voice of a generation. She could turn any song into a hymn. She will be greatly missed here on earth, but that band in heaven just got our Angel
Rest In Peace Aretha

— Willie Nelson (@WillieNelson) August 16, 2018

Her voice; her presence; her style
No one did it better
Truly the Queen of Soul
I will miss you!@ArethaFranklin #QueenOfSoul pic.twitter.com/Gw5XEhsxjH

— Lionel Richie (@LionelRichie) August 16, 2018

The world lost an incredibly talented woman today. Rest In Peace, @ArethaFranklin... your legacy and music will forever inspire us and future generations 💛 pic.twitter.com/me6FiFo1lM

— Britney Spears (@britneyspears) 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

Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul.. A true legend and world icon...the greatest vocalist and entertainer of all time. Aretha paved the way for so many great artists, over 6 decades of music. Thank you for all of your contributions. My condolences and prayers are with the family. pic.twitter.com/akEgX7sv1j

— Steve Harvey (@IAmSteveHarvey) August 16, 2018

We have lost the greatest singer of our time. As a songwriter, I know personally how meaningful a gifted interpreter of material can be.

No one can replace her.

- Billy Joel pic.twitter.com/7QZQ1IzSD8

— Billy Joel (@billyjoel) 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

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

I’m very sad to hear about Aretha Franklin passing. She was one of the greatest and most emotional singers. I used to love listening to her in the sixties but her music is timeless. Love & Mercy to Aretha’s family and friends. pic.twitter.com/fFVKyjxIXT

— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) August 16, 2018

RESPECT 2 the Queen!!!👑

— Axl Rose (@axlrose) August 16, 2018

Always loved you, always will @ArethaFranklin. Not only the Queen of Soul but the queen of all our hearts. - Sir Rod xxx pic.twitter.com/bRAhQcPETw

— Sir Rod Stewart (@rodstewart) August 16, 2018

Queen Aretha. Rest in Power. pic.twitter.com/xPUiz6P21A

— Zendaya (@Zendaya) August 16, 2018

YALL DONT UNDERSTAND WE JUST LOST THE QUEEN!! I WILL MISS YOU ARETHA FRANKLIN SO MANY NIGHTS YOUR MUSIC SAVED MY LIFE!! REST IN PEACE!!

— Leslie Jones 🦋 (@Lesdoggg) August 16, 2018

The Queen of Soul has left to journey back to the Creator. You sang and lifted the spirits of all who heard you. May the eternal source of peace be your destination.#ArethaFranklin pic.twitter.com/mZ0u2KJuaT

— Yusuf / Cat Stevens (@YusufCatStevens) August 16, 2018

.@ArethaFranklin was a unique thread in the fabric of our nation’s history. The Queen of Soul’s music played a vital role in uniting this country during some of our most trying times. She will be missed.

— Al Gore (@algore) August 16, 2018

RIP THE GOAT THE QUEEN... pic.twitter.com/fxnSTfFNKT

— Diddy (@Diddy) August 16, 2018

The Lord has come to take my “Soul Sister” home. Aretha Franklin was a true Icon in Detroit and around the world. My prayers go out to the family during this time. Her legacy and friendship will forever be remembered-Martha Reeves 🌹

— MARTHA REEVES (@MARTHAREEVESvan) August 16, 2018

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

RESPECT. Her legendary voice came straight from God. Now her soul is with Him. Thank you Aretha. 💛💛 pic.twitter.com/Zhm1faBhX1

— Fergie (@Fergie) 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. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 #Aretha

— John Legend (@johnlegend) 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

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

I’ve had so many influences in my life, and one of them is the Queen of Soul. Rest In Peace, Aretha. I’ll sing this one for you. https://t.co/GcwwWioHsl

— Reba (@reba) August 16, 2018

Aretha. The Queen of Soul. As singers, we all aspire to her passion, authenticity, and power. Her talents, gifts and contributions changed hearts and touched lives. She was and remains a national treasure. Rest in Power Queen. pic.twitter.com/jW1b93Hoff

— Jennifer Nettles (@JenniferNettles) August 16, 2018

The choir of angels now have the greatest voice of all time to lead, praise and join in to sing before Jesus. I wanted to share this photo because it shows just how soulful Aretha was without uttering a word. To say I was humbled to be in her presence would be an understatement. pic.twitter.com/R2lxjXwDO8

— Faith Hill (@FaithHill) August 16, 2018

An unbelievable woman and voice. It was an honor to meet and perform with the Queen of Soul. RIP Aretha Franklin ❤️💔https://t.co/BQBtdPuoZO

— Shania Twain (@ShaniaTwain) August 16, 2018

She could hit every note, but the greatest gift was that you felt every word. Truly the Queen. Rest peacefully, Aretha. pic.twitter.com/dzCLhuzmon

— Lady Antebellum (@ladyantebellum) August 16, 2018

We lost one of the most important all time greats today. My love goes out to her family. Love you Aretha. That band in Heaven just got a lot better!! ⁦@ArethaFranklin⁩ pic.twitter.com/z1qSn32ohJ

— Darius Rucker (@dariusrucker) August 16, 2018

One of my favorites. Rest In Peace ✌🏻 Queen of soul! #respect #youbetterthink #arethafranklin pic.twitter.com/vWDsYPPzhT

— Jon Pardi (@JonPardi) August 16, 2018

The best of the best has departed
Rest in peace Aretha Franklin, the music you left us will
forever be a shining example of an exceptional God given gift.
You will be missed.

— Charlie Daniels (@CharlieDaniels) August 16, 2018

The queen of soul…
There will never be another.
So much love and respect from the McGraw family.
A friend of mine told me once,
“when you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced, live your life so that when you’re gone, the world cries and you rejoice.”  #ArethaFranklin pic.twitter.com/7U9n4FdzSv

— Tim McGraw (@TheTimMcGraw) August 16, 2018

Rest in Peace, sweet Aretha #QueenOfSoul. We loved you and your music oh so much. An absolute legend that can never be replaced! pic.twitter.com/XwGjk2iLw8

— Rascal Flatts (@rascalflatts) August 16, 2018

Rest in peace @ArethaFranklin. An amazing talent with one of the most moving voices of all time. Your music will live on forever. pic.twitter.com/rJzg5rwWzp

— Billy Ray Cyrus (@billyraycyrus) August 16, 2018

I am just heartbroken. This cannot be happening. Oh how I love her. Meeting her was such a highlight. Aretha is THE shero who changed my life. Her voice. Listening to her brings me closer to Heaven & I will love her forever. We have lost an American Treasure. pic.twitter.com/LsisVA1aHB

— Wynonna (@Wynonna) August 16, 2018

There Is One Amazing Thing....,
We Were All Inspired By Her Presence,Touched By Her Passing ....& She Will Never Be
Truly Gone From Us.
Legends Are 4EVER😘💋

— Cher (@cher) August 16, 2018