RIP QUEEN OF SOUL
What was Aretha Franklin’s cause of death, how old was the Queen of Soul and when was she diagnosed with cancer?
ARETHA Franklin passed away on August 16, 2018, aged 76 after an eight-year battle with pancreatic cancer.
The soul legend died in Detroit surrounded by her loved ones.
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What was Aretha Franklin's cause of death?
On August 16, 2018, legendary soul singer Aretha Franklin died after an eight-year battle with pancreatic cancer.
The Queen of Soul passed away in Detroit surrounded by her loved ones.
Reports claim her family had asked for "prayers and privacy" before her passing.
After news broke that the star was gravelly ill, Mariah Carey led the support from famous fans on Twitter to say she was keeping Aretha in her prayers.
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After her death her family made a statement reading:
"Franklin's official cause of death was due to advanced pancreatic cancer of the neuroendocrine type, which was confirmed by Franklin's oncologist, Dr Philip Phillips of Karmanos Cancer Institute.
"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.
"We have been deeply touched by the incredible outpouring of love and support we have received from close friends, supporters and fans all around the world. Thank you for your compassion and prayers.
"We have felt your love for Aretha and it brings us comfort to know that her legacy will live on. As we grieve, we ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time."
Aretha's funeral took place on August 31, 2018.
Her body lay in state at Detroit's Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History for two days so that fans can say their final goodbyes.
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How old was she?
Aretha was aged 76 when she died.
The star had spent her last few days in hospice care, as reported by
said that during her final days, Aretha had been visited by the Reverend Jesse Jackson and Stevie Wonder.
News of her illness first emerged after the singer performed in November 2017 for Elton John's Aids Foundation concert.
She performed I Knew You Were Waiting, her duet with George Michael, as well as I Say A Little Prayer.
She had previously battled dehydration and exhaustion to perform at Philadelphia’s Mann Center in August 2017.
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When was Aretha Franklin's pancreatic cancer diagnosis?
The singer had battled with her health and weight throughout her life.
Aretha was diagnosed with an "unspecified illness", widely reported to be pancreatic cancer, in 2010.
She cancelled a string of live shows but did not confirm the diagnosis.
Franklin had a comeback concert in 2011 but was forced to cancel several of those performances due to an undisclosed medical condition.
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