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Aretha Franklin: Celebrities react to death of the 'Queen of Soul'

Paul McCartney, President Trump, President Obama, Diana Ross and many other celebrities are paying tribute to Aretha Franklin.
Credit: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
Aretha Franklin performs at Radio City Music Hall on February 17, 2012 in New York City.

Celebrities are reacting to the death of Aretha Franklin.

The "Queen of Soul," whose impassioned, riveting voice made her a titan of American music, died Thursday morning at home in Detroit, her niece Sabrina Owens confirmed to The Detroit Free Press. She was 76.

Here's what stars are saying about the late legend.

Paul McCartney encouraged his followers to "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."

He continued: "She will be missed but the memory of her greatness as a musician and a fine human being will live with us forever."

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame shared a special tribute to their first female inductee.

"She was a great woman, with a wonderful gift from God, her voice. She will be missed!" President Donald Trump tweeted.

President Obama tweeted how Aretha helped define the American experience.

Bernice King noted that we "have lost another legend from the civil rights era."

"There Will never be another," Bernadette Peters declared. "Thank you for giving us all of you!!"

Gladys Knight released a statement about how Aretha's music "set a standard for every single lady in this industry to rise to."

Well my sister our Father in Heaven has called you home, but we are so very grateful to him for blessing you with such an awesome gift to share with us. 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. Yes, we are sisters and we squabbled as sisters do, but we also loved, supported and laughed together through our lifetime. I pray you have a smooth journey Ree Ree and hopefully I'll get to sing with you in the Heavenly choir, if I make it.
Love you, Gladys

Speaking to the artist she described as "the ultimate queen," Christina Aguilera tweeted: "thank you for the gift of your voice, music and unshakeable soul."

"Her legendary voice came straight from God. Now her soul is with Him," tweeted Fergie.

Along with lyrics to Franklin's "Natural Woman," Ava DuVernay tweeted, "Her voice/swagger was peerless. Thank you, #ArethaFranklin"

Carole King tweeted, "What a life. What a legacy! So much love, respect and gratitude. R.I.P."

On Twitter, Diana Ross reflected on Franklin's "wonderful golden spirit."

John Legend gave a "Salute to the Queen." He praised her as "The greatest vocalist I've ever known."

A seemingly shocked and broken-hearted Shonda Rhimes tweeted simply "Aretha."

"Watch What Happens Live" host Andy Cohen remarked, "There will never be another Queen of Soul, calling Franklin "the embodiment of a soul blessed with a special gift."

Sharing a photo with Franklin from 2012, Barbra Streisand wrote, "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."

John Stamos shared, "She was music. Soul, grace and respect!"

Charlie Daniels proclaimed that "The best of the best has departed."

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