The queen of soul, Aretha Frankiln has died at the age of 76.

The singer who produced multiple hits over decades and sang for royalty, presidents and the pope, passed away in Detroit.

She had reportedly been gravely ill.

Franklin underwent surgery for pancreatic cancer in 2010.

Last year, she announced plans to retire after releasing one final album.

She last performed in November at the Elton John AIDS Foundation Gala in New York but, in March, canceled two concerts in New Jersey.

The legendary R&B singer was the winner of 18 Grammys and became a pop icon for her soulful music which included hits like "Respect" and "Chain of Fools".

In 2005, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Aretha Franklin was born in Memphis, the daughter of well known pastor and civil rights activist C.L.

Franklin.

At a young age she moved to Detroit and stayed there, putting down roots and building her reputation as the queen of soul.