76 year old Aretha Franklin died of advanced pancreatic cancer Thursday morning (08.16.18) at her home in Detroit. Franklin, dubbed the Queen of Soul for powerful anthems like "Respect" and "Chain of Fools" she was the first woman to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
In a statement her family said "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 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.” adding “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.”