(FASTNEWS|COLOMBO) Aretha Franklin, the multiple Grammy award-winning singer whose career spanned seven decades, has died aged 76.
The Queen of Soul – best known for hits such as Respect, Think and I Say a Little Prayer – passed away in Detroit on Thursday after battling ill health for several years.
The cause of her death was advanced pancreatic cancer, her publicist Gwendolyn Quinn said. Funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days.
Franklin’s family said in a statement they had lost their “matriarch and rock”, 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…