Aretha Franklin, 76, one of the world’s greatest singers, died on Aug. 16 in her home in Detroit from advanced pancreatic cancer. The “Queen of Soul” transcended genres, influencing countless artists and fans with her unmistakable voice on songs such as “Respect,” “Think,” “Chain of Fools” and many more.
Many country artists—including Willie Nelson, Reba McEntire, Faith Hill, Lady Antebellum, Scotty McCreery, Darius Rucker, Tim McGraw and more—shared their remembrances of Aretha via social media.
The choir of angels now have the greatest voice of all time to lead, praise and join in to sing before Jesus. I wanted to share this photo because it shows just how soulful Aretha was without uttering a word. To say I was humbled to be in her presence would be an understatement. pic.twitter.com/R2lxjXwDO8
— Faith Hill (@FaithHill) August 16, 2018
The Queen of Soul has gone home today … goodbye Aretha … #RESPECT
— The Oak Ridge Boys (@oakridgeboys) August 16, 2018
She could hit every note, but the greatest gift was that you felt every word. Truly the Queen. Rest peacefully, Aretha. pic.twitter.com/dzCLhuzmon
— Lady Antebellum (@ladyantebellum) August 16, 2018
RIP Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul. A woman with an incredible God-given voice who shared it with the world, and we were lucky to have her while we did. She paved the way for every entertainer who came after her. May she rest in peace.
— Scotty McCreery (@ScottyMcCreery) August 16, 2018
We lost one of the most important all time greats today. My love goes out to her family. Love you Aretha. That band in Heaven just got a lot better!! @ArethaFranklin pic.twitter.com/z1qSn32ohJ
— Darius Rucker (@dariusrucker) August 16, 2018
Aretha Franklin is the reason why I sing from that part deep inside of me that few could ever reach. She was my favorite and will always be. What a gift she has left all of us with her musical footprints. There will never be another like her. She was truly special. #QueenOfSoul
— Kelly Clarkson (@kelly_clarkson) August 16, 2018
I am just heartbroken. This cannot be happening. Oh how I love her. Meeting her was such a highlight. Aretha is THE shero who changed my life. Her voice. Listening to her brings me closer to Heaven & I will love her forever. We have lost an American Treasure. pic.twitter.com/LsisVA1aHB
— Wynonna (@Wynonna) August 16, 2018
The queen of soul…
There will never be another.
So much love and respect from the McGraw family.
A friend of mine told me once,
“when you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced, live your life so that when you’re gone, the world cries and you rejoice.” #ArethaFranklin pic.twitter.com/7U9n4FdzSv— Tim McGraw (@TheTimMcGraw) August 16, 2018
Aretha. The Queen of Soul. As singers, we all aspire to her passion, authenticity, and power. Her talents, gifts and contributions changed hearts and touched lives. She was and remains a national treasure. Rest in Power Queen. pic.twitter.com/jW1b93Hoff
— Jennifer Nettles (@JenniferNettles) August 16, 2018
Whether it was Gospel, Blues, Jazz, R&B, Pop,or Civil Rights, Aretha Franklin was the greatest gift and the voice of a generation. She could turn any song into a hymn. She will be greatly missed here on earth, but that band in heaven just got our Angel
Rest In Peace Aretha— Willie Nelson (@WillieNelson) August 16, 2018
RIP Aretha… 💔 You will always be the true queen. https://t.co/8Y1qXf8AHq
— Lindsay Ell (@lindsayell) August 16, 2018
Largely due to the work Aretha did at Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, I’ve always been proud to tell people where I grew up. We’re all lucky we lived at the same time she did.
— Jasoñ Isbell (@JasonIsbell) August 16, 2018
I’ve had so many influences in my life, and one of them is the Queen of Soul. Rest In Peace, Aretha. I’ll sing this one for you. https://t.co/GcwwWioHsl
— Reba (@reba) August 16, 2018
Rest in Peace, sweet Aretha #QueenOfSoul. We loved you and your music oh so much. An absolute legend that can never be replaced! pic.twitter.com/XwGjk2iLw8
— Rascal Flatts (@rascalflatts) August 16, 2018
Rest in peace @ArethaFranklin. An amazing talent with one of the most moving voices of all time. Your music will live on forever. pic.twitter.com/rJzg5rwWzp
— Billy Ray Cyrus (@billyraycyrus) August 16, 2018
What a gift your voice was to this world and will forever continue to be #ArethaFranklin You will be GREATLY missed. My heart breaks knowing that you are gone… only from physical form though. You and your voice will live on and inspire for eternity! #QueenOfSoul
— LeAnn Rimes Cibrian (@leannrimes) August 16, 2018
One of my favorites. Rest In Peace ✌🏻 Queen of soul! #respect #youbetterthink #arethafranklin pic.twitter.com/vWDsYPPzhT
— Jon Pardi (@JonPardi) August 16, 2018
The greatest voice ever! Sending love and prayers to @ArethaFranklin family, friends and fans. Her music will live forever. RIP https://t.co/KiOR63E5Iw
— Travis Tritt (@Travistritt) August 16, 2018
An unbelievable woman and voice. It was an honor to meet and perform with the Queen of Soul. RIP Aretha Franklin ❤️💔https://t.co/BQBtdPuoZO
— Shania Twain (@ShaniaTwain) August 16, 2018
photo courtesy AFF-USA.com