Stars React to Aretha Franklin’s Death

Aretha Franklin's famous fans are taking to social media to mourn the death of the 76-year-old singer.

The Queen of Soul, who nabbed 18 Grammys for powerful anthems like “Respect” and classic hits like “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” died in Detroit Thursday morning, surrounded by family and friends.

President Obama, Lionel Richie, Céline Dion, Paul McCartney and many others honored the music legend. Keep reading for all the reactions and tributes.

President Obama: “Aretha helped define the American experience. 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. May the Queen of Soul rest in eternal peace.”

Lionel Richie: “Her voice; her presence; her style. No one did it better. Truly the Queen of Soul. I will miss you!@ArethaFranklin #QueenOfSoul”

Céline Dion: “I'm saddened to learn that Aretha Franklin has passed. The most soulful and inspirational singer of our time.”

Smokey Robinson: “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's at peace. #QueenOfSoul”

Elton John: “The loss of @ArethaFranklin is a blow for everybody who loves real music: Music from the heart, the soul and the Church. Her voice was unique, her piano playing underrated — she was one of my favourite pianists.”

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.”

Ringo Starr: “God bless Aretha Franklin the queen of soul and peace and love to her family.”

Rev. Al Sharpton: “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.”

Clive Davis: “I'm absolutely devastated by Aretha's 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.”

Tony Bennett: “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.”

Rod Stewart: “Always loved you, always will @ArethaFranklin. Not only the Queen of Soul but the queen of all our hearts.”

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.”

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.”

Billy Joel: “We have lost the greatest singer of our time. As a songwriter, I know personally how meaningful a gifted interpreter of material can be. No one can replace her.”

Willie Nelson: “Whether it was Gospel, Blues, Jazz, R&B, Pop,or Civil Rights, Aretha Franklin was the greatest gift and the voice of a generation. She could turn any song into a hymn. She will be greatly missed here on earth, but that band in heaven just got our Angel. Rest In Peace Aretha”

Yusuf/Cat Stevens: “The Queen of Soul has left to journey back to the Creator. You sang and lifted the spirits of all who heard you. May the eternal source of peace be your destination.#ArethaFranklin”

Missy Elliot: “Rest easy #ARETHAFRANKLIN I imagine u in heaven performing & still making people souls move this was my aunt favorite record #RockSteady you will always be the Queen of Soul you been that before many of us were born! Thank you for giving us LEGENDARY TIMELESS music”

John Legend: “Salute to the Queen. The greatest vocalist I've ever known.”

Justin Timberlake: “This is the face of a young man who couldn't believe he was actually singing with the GREATEST OF ALL TIME. Thank you, Ms. Franklin for blessing us with your incomparable gift. Honored to have shared the stage with you even for a moment. Always bowing down to you. #QueenofSoul”

Lenny Kravitz: “The Queen of Soul has left this earth to sit on her throne in heaven. How blessed we were to hear the best that God had to offer in her voice. RESPECT!”

Britney Spears: “The world lost an incredibly talented woman today. Rest In Peace, @ArethaFranklin... your legacy and music will forever inspire us and future generations.”

Judge Mathis: "I'm heartbroken. @ArethaFranklin was more than the Queen of Soul; she was my dear friend. She left me with many memories that I will cherish forever. The world loved her. I loved her. Her music and her legacy will live forever. Rest well my friend. Rest well."

Taraji P. Henson: “Rest In Peace QUEEN!!! Thank you for feeding our souls for so long!!! You will be missed never forgotten!!! Your music lives on in ALL OF US!!!”

Jennifer Nettles: “Aretha. The Queen of Soul. As singers, we all aspire to her passion, authenticity, and power. Her talents, gifts and contributions changed hearts and touched lives. She was and remains a national treasure. Rest in Power Queen.”

Hillary Clinton: “Mourning the loss today of @ArethaFranklin who shared her spirit and talent with the world. She deserves not only our RESPECT but also our lasting gratitude for opening our eyes, ears and hearts. Rest in eternal peace, my friend.”

Lena Waithe: “The world won't be the same without you in it. You will always have our utmost respect.”

Leslie Jones: “YALL DONT UNDERSTAND WE JUST LOST THE QUEEN!! I WILL MISS YOU ARETHA FRANKLIN SO MANY NIGHTS YOUR MUSIC SAVED MY LIFE!! REST IN PEACE!!”

Steve Harvey: “Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul.. A true legend and world icon...the greatest vocalist and entertainer of all time. Aretha paved the way for so many great artists, over 6 decades of music. Thank you for all of your contributions. My condolences and prayers are with the family.”

Al Gore: “.@ArethaFranklin was a unique thread in the fabric of our nation's history. The Queen of Soul's music played a vital role in uniting this country during some of our most trying times. She will be missed.”