A Queen Passes

Some initial tributes to the glorious Aretha Franklin, "Queen of Soul," who has passed away at 76:

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

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

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

Aretha Franklin, the undisputed “Queen of Soul” and the voice of a generation, has joined the heavenly chorus – but her music and indelible mark on our culture will live on forever. My prayers & deepest condolences are with her family. pic.twitter.com/gl4GkPnwcs

— Stacey Abrams (@staceyabrams) August 16, 2018

She made millions feel like natural women, and she earned our everlasting Respect with each performance. May Aretha Franklin’s voice ring now throughout the heavens. She truly was the Queen of Soul. Rest In Peace, o great one.

— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) 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

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

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

RIP Aretha Franklin. The Queen of Soul. She may be gone but her music and legacy will live on forever. pic.twitter.com/MM2VPdW5sW

— Lady Gaga ⭐ (@AMENARTPOP) August 16, 2018

I am deeply saddened by the passing of Aretha Franklin. She was beyond a legend in the nation and world. I will always be grateful for her support of my father and the civil rights movement through the years. My prayers go out to her family and friends. Rest in Peace. #Respect pic.twitter.com/YBKoPMT3aS

— MLK III (@OfficialMLK3) August 16, 2018