From Obama to Paul McCartney, here is how everyone reacted to Aretha Franklin’s passing

Aretha Franklin’s passing has left the music industry in a grief-struck state.

After all, it isn’t easy to let go off one of the most celebrated musical icons in history – who has managed to resonate the emotions of countless music-lovers world-over, for nearly six decades. A legacy with such a powerful impact that it has inspired numerous artists throughout the many generations that followed her advent into the music biz.

Franklin, who was in ‘hospice care’ for the past couple of days, surrounded by her near and dear ones, was ‘gravely ill’ according to online reports.

The 76 year old songstress breathed her last on August 16th, Thursday, with ‘pancreatic cancer’ being cited as her cause of death – something which the singer had struggled with for a number of years.

Soon after her passing, tributes and reactions started flowing-in from some of the biggest names in music, who remembered and payed respect to the celebrated diva, one last time.

From Paul McCartney and Clive Davis to Bette Midler and Mariah Carey, from those who were inspired by her to those who had the opportunity to perform with her – here are some of the first reactions from the Queen of Soul’s many admirers:









Without question, Aretha leaves behind a void that can only be filled by her own legacy of hits now.