Tributes flooded social media following the news of her passing.
The world is mourning the death of legendary singer Aretha Franklin, who passed away in her Detroit home Thursday morning at 76.
Many celebrities took to social media to pay tribute to the icon, who sold over 75 million albums and won 18 Grammys over the course of her illustrious career.
Aretha Franklin performed at Barack Obama's first inauguration in 2009 and soon after the announcement of her passing, the 44th president of the United States took to Twitter to eulogize the star and said she "helped define the American experience."
Barbra Streisand posted a photo of her with Franklin from 2012 after they performed at the same Marvin Hamlisch tribute concert. “It’s difficult to conceive of a world without her," she wrote on Twitter. "Not only was she a uniquely brilliant singer, but her commitment to civil rights made an indelible impact on the world.”
Director Ava DuVernay tweeted that Franklin’s voice and swagger were "peerless."
Music mogul Clive Davis, who signed Franklin in 1979 after she left Atlantic Records, said he was “absolutely devastated by Aretha’s passing.”
Singer Liam Gallagher seemed to be stunned by the news of Franklin’s death, tweeting: “What a voice.”
Singer Maxwell wrote: “This morning we lost an icon.”
Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said Franklin's artistry and voice “were gifts to us from God.”
The Detroit Symphony, which performed with Franklin many times including at a 1999 Rosa Parks tribute concert, paid tribute to their hometown legend on Twitter.
Hillary Clinton said that Franklin “deserves not only our RESPECT but also our lasting gratitude for opening our eyes, ears, and hearts.”
Chance the Rapper took to Twitter to tweet Franklin's lyrics to honor her life.
Elton John called the death of Aretha Franklin a “blow for everybody who loves real music.”
Diana Ross said she was praying for the spirit of Franklin.
The Detroit Lions, whom Franklin had performed for many times, also paid tribute to the hometown hero on social media.
Rev. Al Sharpton posted a series of photos of himself with Franklin, saying he hoped everyone “take a pause today to remember the life of a beautiful soul.”
Anita Baker took to social media to call the late singer “my queen.”
Bette Midler said that the “greatest voice in American popular music has been stilled” in a tweet honoring Franklin.
Paul McCartney paid respects to Franklin as a singer and humanitarian, saying: "She will be missed but the memory of her greatness as a musician and a fine human being will live with us forever."
Bill Clinton tweeted that he wants people to listen to Franklin's music to celebrate her life.
The National Museum of American History posted that over 100 of her records are in their collection.
Singer Patti LaBelle released a statement on social media saying she was "saddened" by the passing of "her sister in song."
Hip-hop pioneer and DJ Grandmaster Flash reflected on Franklin's impact on rap music and how she was a cultural icon.
The Rolling Stones took to Twitter to say that Franklin "always brought you to church."
The NAACP called Franklin "an iconic symbol of black pride whose music touched so many hearts and souls."
Singer Carole King said she had "so much love, respect, and gratitude" fro Franklin on Twitter and also shared a clip of her favorite song by the performer.
John Legend called Franklin "the greatest vocalist I've ever known."
Rapper Nas took to Instagram saying "our gift from heaven went home."
Rapper and producer Q-Tip said that Franklin's contribution to the world are "untouchable."
President Trump tweeted that Franklin had a "gift from God" and "will be missed."
The estate of Otis Redding, whose song "Respect" was famously covered by Franklin, released a statement saying her rendition of the track "launched a revolution."
Smokey Robinson said he lost "his longest friend" and shared a picture of the two together.
Missy Elliott took to Twitter saying she imagines Franklin in heaven "still performing & making peoples souls move."
Billy Joel eulogized Franklin as "the greatest singer of our time."
California Rep. Maxine Waters called Franklin a friend and the greatest singer of her time, adding, "Even though her music will live on forever, the sound, the voice, and the inspiration of the Queen of Soul can never be matched."
Tony Bennett said Franklin "will be missed by the world," and shared a photo of the two performing on stage together.
Harlem's Apollo Theater paid tribute to the singer who performed many times on their stage.
Lenny Kravitz took to Instagram to share a moment he had with Franklin and said that "the Queen of Soul has left this earth to sit on her throne in heaven."
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