Soulful legend Aretha Franklin dies at 76

"Update" - We lost the queen of soul, Aretha Franklin has died after a long and hard battle with advanced pancreatic cancer. She passed away today in her home in Detroit.

Aretha Franklin was an icon to many, and her music had the power to bring people together. Her song “Respect” became the anthem for civil rights advocates as well as the feminist communities.

She was surrounded by her family in her final moments. According to TMZ, the family released this statement, "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."

Tweets form Celebrities have flooded twitter showing their love for the legendary singer.

The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin 76, is reportedly in hospice after fighting a terminal cancer prognosis for 8 years. Due to this, she has canceled many concerts in the past. At this time she only weighs 86 pounds.

Currently, family and close friends are staying close to her bedside. They are all asking for “prayers and privacy” during this time. According to TMZ, a dear friend of Franklin stated, “Prepare yourself, she's dying.”

The legendary singer has had an unforgettable life-long career including bringing president Obama to tears during his first inauguration and becoming an 18 time Grammy award-winning singer.  Franklin’s most notable songs are “Respect”, “Chain of Fools”, and “Natural Woman”

The powerhouse singer has received love and prayers from Missy Elliot, Ciara, Mariah Carey, and many more.

- Destin McMurray