In Memoriam: Aretha Franklin Has Died at Age 76

Singer Aretha Franklin, known as “The Queen of Soul,” has passed away at the age of 76, according to the Associated Press. Reports had surfaced earlier this week that the singer/actress was in hospice and was surrounded by family and friends.

The cause of death is said to be advanced pancreatic cancer.

During her long and storied career, the Queen of Soul recorded more than 100 songs to make it onto the Billboard charts and received 18 Grammy Awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award in 1994.

Franklin also had the distinction of being only the second woman inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

The world knows her as a music legend, famous for such hits as Respect and Pink Cadillac. But soap fans know her to be one of daytime drama’s biggest fans.

Past producers of Daytime Emmy Awards broadcasts became aware of Franklin’s love of soaps and invited her to appear as herself, introducing the package honoring The Young and the Restless (her favorite soap) in 1997.

The late singer also appeared with Eric Braeden (Victor, Y&R) at the 2005 Daytime Emmys and announced with him the winner of Outstanding Drama Series.

Franklin’s hit song, Pink Cadillac, was played on General Hospital in 1993 when legendary characters Luke and Laura, played by Anthony Geary and Genie Francis, came back to Port Charles in (what else?) a pink Cadillac!

Soap Hub sends deep condolences to Franklin’s family, friends, and fans around the world.