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'Queen of Soul' Aretha Franklin dies at home in Detroit aged 76

Singer Aretha Franklin performs during a tribute concert to composer Marvin Hamlisch. [Courtesy]

Aretha Franklin, the preacher's daughter whose powerful voice made her the long-reigning "Queen of Soul" with such hit songs as "Respect" and "Chain of Fools," died on Thursday (August 16) at the age of 76, officials said.

Franklin, who won 18 Grammys and had some 25 gold records, died at her home in Detroit, according to one of her publicists. She had been battling advanced pancreatic cancer, and her family had asked for prayers.

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