Aretha Franklin remembered as ‘Queen of Soul’ with ‘special gifts’

As news of legendary singer Aretha Franklin’s death spread Thursday, celebrities took to social media to pay tribute to the “Queen of Soul,” described as “the embodiment of a soul blessed with a special gift.”

The music icon died of advanced pancreatic cancer at the age of 76. She had dealt with undisclosed health issues that kept her off stage in recent months.

“What a colossal loss. Thanks for the joy and inspiration you gave to the world,” actor Tony Goldwyn said.

“Rest In Peace to the Queen,” actor and comedian Mike Epps said.

Bravo host Andy Cohen said, “There will never be another Queen of Soul.”

“Aretha Franklin is the embodiment of a soul blessed with a special gift. Grateful we have decades of recordings that will live on. Long Live The Queen,” Cohen said.