Legendary Soul Singer Aretha Franklin Has Died Aged 76

U.S. singer Aretha Franklin has passed away at the age of 76, it has been reported.

Dubbed the 'Queen Of Soul', Franklin is understood to have died in her home in Detroit.

The star, born in Memphis Tennessee in 1942, was known for a string of hits such as Respect, Natural Woman and I Say A Little Prayer.

Franklin was said to have been in hospice care surrounded by her family over the past number of days.

The star received 18 Grammy Awards throughout her career and was inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame in 1987.

She had cancelled recent shows due to ill health. Since the news broke, Aretha's family have released a statement which includes the words '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.'

Statement from Aretha Franklin's family: pic.twitter.com/PHxm9e6b4E

— Jeremy Diamond (@JDiamond1) August 16, 2018