U.S. cultural icon¹ Arethra Franklin died on Thursday at her home in Detroit, Michigan, at age 76.

 

美国文化偶像艾瑞莎·富兰克林上周四在位于密歇根底特律的家中辞世，享年76岁。
 

 

Americans called her the "Queen of Soul," and U.S. music industry magazine Billboard², which maintains charts of popular American songs, lists Franklin as the second-most charted female artist in the chart's 59-year history.

 

Less than an hour of news breaking of her death, flowers and candles had been placed on her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles, California. 

 

The family released a statement saying, "In one of the darkest moments of our lives, we are not able to find the appropriate words to express the pain in our heart. We have lost the matriarch and rock of our family. The love she had for her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins knew no bounds."

 

"We have been deeply touched by the incredible outpouring of love and support we have received from close friends, supporters and fans all around the world. Thank you for your compassion³ and prayers." the statement said. 

 

"We have felt your love for Aretha and it brings us comfort to know that her legacy⁴ will live on. As we grieve, we ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time."

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