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Aretha Franklin’s publicist says the Queen of Soul died today at her home in Detroit.
The legendary performer struggled with health issues ever since 2010, after she had surgery for an undisclosed tumour.
The following year, she denied rumours that she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Earlier this week, Roger Friedman of Showbiz 411, claimed Aretha was “surrounded by family and people close to her”.
The American singer/songwriter won a total of 18 Grammy Awards throughout her career, and is one of the best-selling artists of all time.
She was best known for songs such as Respect, (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman, Spanish Harlem and Think.