Entertainment

Trump, Obama, Clinton, others pay tribute to Aretha Franlkin

Published

6 years ago

August 16, 2018

American President Donald Trump and two of his predecessors, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton have joined the world in paying tributes to the late singer , Aretha Franklin , who died on Thitsday aged 76 after a prolonged battle with cancer .US President Donald Trump paid tribute to music icon Aretha Franklin upon her death Thursday as “ a great woman , with a wonderful gift from God, her voice . ”

“ She will be missed !” he tweeted of the legendary singer , who died at home in Detroit at age 76 .

Barack Obama on Thursday paid tribute to the late “ Queen of Soul ” Aretha Franklin , praising her “ unmatched musicianship ” that he said “ helped define the American experience . ”

“ Every time she sang , we were all graced with a glimpse of the divine, ” the former US president said in a statement. “ In her voice , we could feel our history , all of it and in every shade — our power and our pain , our darkness and our light , our quest for redemption and our hard – won respect . She helped us feel more connected to each other , more hopeful , more human . ”

“ And sometimes she helped us just forget about everything else and dance . ”

Bill and Hillary Clinton wrote , “ Hillary and I mourn the loss of our friend Aretha Franklin , one of America ’ s greatest national treasures, ” said the former US president in a joint statement with his wife , the former secretary of state . “ For more than 50 years , she stirred our souls . She was elegant , graceful, and utterly uncompromising in her artistry . ”

Here are other top tributes to the “ Queen of Soul ” :

Barbra Streisand

“ It ’ s 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 , ” the singer and actress tweeted .

Patti LaBelle

“ I am deeply saddened about the passing of the Queen of Soul and my sister in song , Aretha Franklin , ” the singer who also gained fame in the golden era of soul , disco and R & B . “ Today the world has experienced a tremendous loss . Aretha was a rare treasure whose unmatched musical genius helped craft the soundtrack to the lives of so many . ”

Diana Ross

“ I ’ m sitting in prayer for the wonderful golden spirit Aretha Franklin , ” the acclaimed singer tweeted .

John Legend

“ Salute to the Queen . The greatest vocalist I ’ ve ever known , ” the pop star tweeted .

Paul McCartney

“ Let ’ s 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 , ” the Beatles legend tweeted .

Elton John

“ The whole world will miss her but will always rejoice in her remarkable legacy . The Queen is dead. Long live the Queen . # RIPArethaFranklin , ” tweeted the pop superstar .

Bette Midler

“ The greatest voice in American popular music has been stilled. Our beloved # ArethaFranklin has gone. For me , she was a musical lighthouse , guiding and inspiring with every note . I loved her so and love her still . Goodbye , Queen of Soul , ” the singer and actress tweeted .

Jesse Jackson

“ Earth has lost a lot of music today , ” civil rights leader Jesse Jackson said on local television . “ She never stopped serving . She never stopped caring . She never stopped sharing . We thank her so much . We miss her already so much . ”

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People

“ The ever- reigning Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin is an iconic symbol of black pride whose music touched so many hearts and souls , ” tweeted the rights organization . “ We know Aretha ’ s legacy will live on . ”

Al Sharpton

“ Deeply saddened by the passing of a beloved friend and queen / warrior Aretha Franklin , ” tweeted the civil rights activist. “ Her contributions are legendary both personally and societally. We hope you take a pause today to remember the life of a beautiful soul . ”

Maxine Waters

“ One of the greatest voices of all time has been silenced, ” tweeted the California congresswoman . “ My dear friend Aretha Franklin has passed . Even though her music will live on forever , the sound , the voice , and the inspiration of the Queen of Soul can never be matched . Farewell , Aretha .

( AFP )