Aretha Franklin is dead after battling with undisclosed health problems for several years.
She died at the age of 76. She had been trending on social media this week, as fans prayed for her recovery.
On Wednesday, more than 100 people reportedly gathered for a vigil at Detroit’s New Bethel Baptist Church, which was founded by Franklin’s father, the Rev. C.L. Franklin to pray for her.
The legendary singer was diagnosed with cancer in 2010 and announced last year she was retiring from music.
Known for hits like Respect and Think, she had more than 20 US number ones over a career spanning seven decades.
She gave her final performance last November at a gala in New York held in aid of the Elton John Aids Foundation.
