Aretha Franklin is being remembered online as a 鈥渘ational treasure鈥� who created music 鈥渇rom the heart, the soul and the church.鈥�
The death of the Queen of Soul has sparked an outpouring of support from the people who knew her best, and the generations of people who enjoyed her powerful music.
"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," her family said in a statement.
Motown legend Smokey Robinson, who performed several duets with Franklin throughout his career, tweeted 鈥淭his morning my longest friend in this world went home to be with our father. I will miss her so much but I know she's at peace."
Music legend Carole King also shared her thoughts on Franklin鈥檚 passing, tweeting 鈥淲hat a life. What a legacy! So much love, respect and gratitude. R.I.P."
Franklin died Thursday at her home at the age of 76. She had pancreatic cancer.
Below are more heartfelt messages that are being shared online by celebrities and fans alike.
This morning my longest friend in this world went home to be with our Father. I will miss her so much but I know she鈥檚 at peace.
鈥� Smokey Robinson (@smokey_robinson)
Aretha helped define the American experience. In her voice, we could feel our history, all of it and in every shade鈥攐ur power and our pain, our darkness and our light, our quest for redemption and our hard-won respect. May the Queen of Soul rest in eternal peace.
鈥� Barack Obama (@BarackObama)
I was fortunate enough to spend time with her and witness her last performance 鈥� a benefit for at St John The Divine Cathedral. She was obviously unwell, and I wasn鈥檛 sure she could perform. But Aretha did and she raised the roof.
鈥� Elton John (@eltonofficial)
Lady Soul. The first woman inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Aretha Franklin was an artist of passion, sophistication and command, whose recordings remain anthems that defined soul music. Long live the Queen.
鈥� Rock Hall (@rockhall)
to the Queen of Soul and Detroit legend Aretha Franklin. She was one of the greatest singers ever, and we were honored to perform with her several times in the late 90s, including a tribute concert to Rosa Parks in 1999.
鈥� Detroit Symphony (@DetroitSymphony)
This photo was taken in 2012 when Aretha & I performed at a tribute celebration for our friend Marvin Hamlisch. It鈥檚 difficult to conceive of a world without her. Not only was she a uniquely brilliant singer,but her commitment to civil rights made an indelible impact on the world
鈥� Barbra Streisand (@BarbraStreisand)
I鈥檓 absolutely devastated by Aretha鈥檚 passing. She was truly one of a kind. She was more than the Queen of Soul. She was a national treasure to be cherished by every generation throughout the world. (1/2)
鈥� Clive Davis (@CliveDavis)
Apart from our long professional relationship, Aretha was my friend. Her loss is deeply profound and my heart is full of sadness. (2/2)
鈥� Clive Davis (@CliveDavis)
Goodbye Ms. Aretha. You were my idol. The greatest singer of all time. Every note you sang was pure and authentic and pierced our hearts with joy and pain and life.
鈥� Idina Menzel (@idinamenzel)
One of the highlights of my career was singing with at The Tony Awards. It was an out of body experience for me. One of greatest singers of all time. You will be missed by all.
鈥� Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman)
Salute to the Queen. The greatest vocalist I've ever known. ��������������������
鈥� John Legend (@johnlegend)
Queen... My Queen.
鈥� Anita Baker (@IAMANITABAKER)
Deeply saddened by the passing of a beloved friend and queen/warrior Aretha Franklin. Her contributions are legendary both personally and societally. We hope you take a pause today to remember the life of a beautiful soul.
鈥� Reverend Al Sharpton (@TheRevAl)
I鈥檓 sitting in prayer for the wonderful golden spirit Aretha Franklin.
鈥� Ms. Ross (@DianaRoss)
Let鈥檚 all take a moment to give thanks for the beautiful life of Aretha Franklin, the Queen of our souls, who inspired us all for many many years. She will be missed but the memory of her greatness as a musician and a fine human being will live with us forever. Love Paul
鈥� Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney)
"Music does a lot of things for a lot of people. It's transporting, for sure. It can take you right back, years back, to the very moment certain things happened in your life. It's uplifting, it's encouraging, it's strengthening" RIP Aretha Franklin
鈥� Nina Garcia (@ninagarcia)
An unbelievable woman and voice. It was an honor to meet and perform with the Queen of Soul. RIP Aretha Franklin 鉂わ笍��
鈥� Shania Twain (@ShaniaTwain)
A lot of music left the earth today. The Heavens rejoice. Rest in heavenly peace.
鈥� Rev Jesse Jackson Sr (@RevJJackson)
It was a double thrill for me to perform on the stage of the Metropolitan Opera on my 85th birthday and have the Queen of Soul (and heart) Aretha Franklin singing with me....she will be missed by the world.
鈥� Tony Bennett (@itstonybennett)
We have lost the greatest singer of our time. As a songwriter, I know personally how meaningful a gifted interpreter of material can be.
鈥� Billy Joel (@billyjoel)
No one can replace her.
- Billy Joel
I treasured every moment that we spent together from working in the recording studio, to performing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, or simply hangin鈥� in the kitchen, & I will miss her dearly. RIP Ree-Ree...You will reign as the Queen forever.
鈥� Quincy Jones (@QuincyDJones)
Goodbye thank you for all the inspiration, and thank you for singing my song
鈥� Bryan Adams (@bryanadams)
I'm saddened to learn that Aretha Franklin has passed.The most soulful and inspirational singer of our time. / Je suis attristée d'apprendre le décès d鈥橝retha Franklin. La chanteuse la plus inspirante de notre époque. - Céline xx鈥�
鈥� Celine Dion (@celinedion)
�� : Kevin Mazur
Watching Aretha Franklin perform at the White House, and on so many other occasions, made time stand still. and I are holding Aretha鈥檚 family in our hearts right now. She will forever be our Queen of Soul.
鈥� Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama)
The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, is dead. She was a great woman, with a wonderful gift from God, her voice. She will be missed!
鈥� Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump)
With files from The Associated Press
