Aretha Franklin’s death Thursday prompted an outpouring of tributes honoring the “Queen of Soul,” including from two former presidents who saw her perform at their inaugurations.
Former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama issued a statement saying Ms. Franklin’s music “helped define the American experience.”
The “Respect” singer performed performed “My Country, ’Tis of Thee” at the former president’s first inauguration in 2009.
“America has no royalty. But we do have a chance to earn something more enduring,” the Obamas wrote, in part. “Through her compositions and unmatched musicianship, 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.
“She helped us feel more connected to each other, more hopeful, more human,” they wrote. “And sometimes she helped us just forget about everything else and dance. Aretha may have passed on to a better place, but the gift of her music remains to inspire us all.”
Former President Bill Clinton and first lady Hillary Clinton also issued a statement honoring the singer, who performed “I Dreamed a Dream” at the former president’s 1993 inauguration.
“Hillary and I mourn the loss of our friend Aretha Franklin, one of America’s greatest national treasures,” they wrote, in part. “For more than 50 years, she stirred our souls. She was elegant, graceful, and utterly uncompromising in her artistry.
“She will forever be the Queen of Soul and so much more to all who knew her personally and through her music,” the Clintons wrote. “Our hearts go out to her family and her countless fans.”
Mrs. Clinton separately thanked Ms. Franklin for “opening our eyes, ears and hearts” through music.
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.
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) August 16, 2018
President Trump also offered his “warmest best wishes and sympathies” to Ms. Franklin’s family.
“She brought joy to millions of lives and her extraordinary legacy will thrive and inspire many generations to come,” Mr. Trump said at the start of a Cabinet meeting Thursday. “She was given a great gift from God — her voice, and she used to well.”
The legendary musical artist died Thursday at age 76 from pancreatic cancer.
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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