Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, has died at the age of 76.
Franklin's publicist confirmed the news to the Associated Press after news of her ailing health circulated earlier this week.
Born in Memphis and raised in Detroit, Franklin embarked on an incredible career that included hits like 'Respect,' 'Chain of Fools,' 'I Say A Little Prayer,' and 'Natural Woman.'
TMZ reports that Franklin died after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.
One of the most successful female artists of all time, Franklin's music served often as symbols of black and female empowerment.
R.I.P. Aretha Franklin.