By: Natasha Archary
Succumbing to her battle with pancreatic cancer, Aretha Franklin died at her Detroit home. With friends and family at her side, the “Natural Woman” and renowned singer fought a brave fight.
She lives on through her music and is survived by her children and grandchildren. There has been an outpour of love and support from international stars and the general public, since learning about her grave condition. In February 2017, the singer put an end to her tours but still left fans speechless at the end of her concert performances.
Aretha’s musical career dates back to the 1950s, with numerous hits, albums, and awards to date. She has won Grammy Awards for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, Lifetime Achievement Award, Grammy Hall Of Fame, Grammy for Best Traditional R&B performance and many more, 18 in total.
Dubbed the “Queen of Soul”, she is both a 20th and 21st century musical and cultural icon. With her world appeal and classics, we mourn the loss of an inspirational, successful and dynamic women this Women’s Month. She has over the years supported a far-reaching spectrum of causes and foundations over her incredible career, including the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes, Feeding America and Sting’s Rainforest Foundation to name a few.
A strong advocate for change in America, she gave a spectacular performance in 2014 at a gala event, to raise money for the Consequences Charity. In support of educational experiences and resources for at-risk youth in America.
Her private life has always been very guarded, twice divorced the singer chose to keep her family live out of the media spotlight. She has been a fashion and style icon throughout the years and her grace and wisdom will be what many remember for a long time.
