‘Queen of Soul’ Aretha Franklin dies at 76

Aretha Franklin’s music quickly climbed the iTunes’ charts following her death last night [Macau time].

Her “30 Greatest Hits” album hit the No. 1 spot, replacing Nicki Minaj’s new album, while “Respect” reached No. 2 on the songs’ charts.

More songs from Franklin, including “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” ‘’Think,” ‘’Chain of Fools” and “I Say A Little Prayer,” were in the Top 40.

The iTunes charts tracks digital sales and is updated multiple times each day.

Franklin died pancreatic cancer at age 76. She had battled undisclosed health issues in recent years, had in 2017 announced her retirement from touring.

Aretha Franklin was seen as the undisputed “Queen of Soul” who sang with matchless style on such classics as “Think,” ‘’I Say a Little Prayer” and her signature song, “Respect,” and stood as a cultural icon around the globe.

Publicist Gwendolyn Quinn told The Associated Press through a family statement that, “In one of the darkest moments of our lives, we are not able to find the appropriate words to express the pain in our heart. We have lost the matriarch and rock of our family. The love she had for her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins knew no bounds.” AP