Queen of Soul

Aretha Franklin, 'Queen of Soul', dies aged 76

The legendary singer was diagnosed with cancer in 2010 and announced last year she was retiring from music.

Franklin won 18 Grammys, and had 17 Top Ten US chart hits over a music career spanning seven decades.

The star gave her final performance last November at a gala in New York held in aid of the Elton John Aids Foundation.

In a statement, her family said: "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.

Aretha Franklin said to be 'seriously ill'

Friends and family are reportedly at her side, as support flooded in online from friends and fellow artists.

Known as the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin's career spans seven decades.

The 76-year-old cancelled planned concerts earlier this year due to health concerns and was ordered by doctors to rest for two months.

Last year she indicated her plans to retire from touring following the release of a new album.

Separately, celebrity website TMZ has also reported that a "long-time friend was told a week ago 'prepare yourself, she's dying.'"