The Queen of Soul has died, and the music community (and the wider world) is mourning her loss and celebrating the gift of her life and work.

Apart from our long professional relationship, Aretha was my friend. Her loss is deeply profound and my heart is full of sadness. (2/2)
— Clive Davis (@CliveDavis) August 16, 2018

This morning my longest friend in this world went home to be with our Father. I will miss her so much but I know she’s at peace. #QueenOfSoul pic.twitter.com/UatS3U3YXe
— Smokey Robinson (@smokey_robinson) August 16, 2018

From the time that Dinah Washington 1st told me that Aretha was the “next one” when she was 12-years old, until the present day, Aretha Franklin set the bar & she did it with the professionalism, class, grace, & humility that only a true Queen could... ðŸ“¸: Hassan pic.twitter.com/IjT6I7NH1D
— Quincy Jones (@QuincyDJones) August 16, 2018

Barack and Michelle Obama on Aretha Franklin: "America has no royalty. But we do have a chance to earn something more enduring." pic.twitter.com/xvdiypyr8B
— Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) August 16, 2018

“There are great artists and there are transcendent artists – artists who break new barriers and take us to places we never imagined. Aretha elevated soul from genre to high art. She defied musical categorization, bringing her phenomenal talent to R&B, pop, blues, gospel, rock, jazz, and classical music. Aretha’s influence on music, culture, and history is incalculable. We will be forever grateful for everything that she accomplished as an artist, a woman, and a beacon of humanity.” — Max Lousada

Let’s all take a moment to give thanks for the beautiful life of Aretha Franklin, the Queen of our souls, who inspired us all for many many years. She will be missed but the memory of her greatness as a musician and a fine human being will live with us forever. Love Paul pic.twitter.com/jW4Gpwfdts
— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) August 16, 2018

Watching Aretha Franklin perform at the White House, and on so many other occasions, made time stand still. @BarackObama and I are holding Aretha’s family in our hearts right now. She will forever be our Queen of Soul. pic.twitter.com/NhHsbKijpl
— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) August 16, 2018

What a life. What a legacy!
So much love, respect and gratitude.
R.I.P. @ArethaFranklin https://t.co/400K1U5IHI
— Carole King (@Carole_King) August 16, 2018

Whether it was Gospel, Blues, Jazz, R&B, Pop,or Civil Rights, Aretha Franklin was the greatest gift and the voice of a generation. She could turn any song into a hymn. She will be greatly missed here on earth, but that band in heaven just got our Angel
Rest In Peace Aretha
— Willie Nelson (@WillieNelson) August 16, 2018

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— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) August 16, 2018

This is the face of a young man who couldn't believe he was actually singing with the GREATEST OF ALL TIME. Thank you, Ms. Franklin for blessing us with your incomparable gift. Honored to have shared the stage with you even for a moment. Always bowing down to you. #QueenofSoul pic.twitter.com/4bZVAWcqeS
— Justin Timberlake (@jtimberlake) August 16, 2018

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

Like people all around the world, Hillary and I are thinking about Aretha Franklin tonight & listening to her music that has been such an important part of our lives the last 50 years. We hope you’ll lift her up by listening and sharing her songs that have meant the most to you.
— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) August 14, 2018

Aretha Franklin's distinctive sound, unforgettable recordings, and giving spirit will continue to be celebrated worldwide. She will be dearly missed, and our thoughts go out to her loved ones during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/lB7tsD8Jof
— Recording Academy (@RecordingAcad) August 16, 2018

It was a double thrill for me to perform on the stage of the Metropolitan Opera on my 85th birthday and have the Queen of Soul (and heart) Aretha Franklin singing with me....she will be missed by the world. pic.twitter.com/74VM9IYejI
— Tony Bennett (@itstonybennett) August 16, 2018

Salute to the Queen. The greatest vocalist I've ever known. ðŸ™ðŸ½ðŸ™ðŸ½ðŸ™ðŸ½ðŸ™ðŸ½ðŸ™ðŸ½ #Aretha
— John Legend (@johnlegend) August 16, 2018

Aretha Franklin was one of the most iconic voices in music history and a brilliant artist. Over the course of her decades-long career, which included many years with the Sony Music family, she inspired countless musicians and fans, and created a legacy that paved the way for a long line of strong female artists. Sony Music joins the world in mourning her passing. —Sony Music statement

The whole world will miss her but will always rejoice in her remarkable legacy. The Queen is dead. Long live the Queen. #RIPArethaFranklin

Elton xx
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) August 16, 2018

I'm deeply saddened by the passing of the #QueenOfSoul, Aretha Franklin. As an African American woman, her voice inspired & empowered me. She was a phenomenal woman who reminded the world that everyone deserves RESPECT. Prayers to her family & the people of her beloved Detroit. https://t.co/1bo8lWlBrU
— Rep. Barbara Lee (@RepBarbaraLee) August 16, 2018

"What an other worldly talent. Legendary. Right up there with the greatest singers ever. She will be greatly missed. Irreplaceable." #QueenOfSoul #ArethaFranklin pic.twitter.com/vle4XrBExw
— Bob Seger (@BobSeger) August 16, 2018

Rest In Peace #ArethraFranklin Thanks for everything you gave to the world. Thoughts and prayers to your family and friends. Love @allontheboard #QueenOfSoul #Aretha #RipArethaFranklin #RESPECT #RestInPeace #SayALittlePrayer #Aretha #SayALittlePrayerForYou #Legend #NaturalWoman pic.twitter.com/6ukNvKNc24
— All on the board (@allontheboard) August 16, 2018

Although Aretha was known as the #QueenofSoul, i called her Hip Hop because of the Incredible break that’s in this song. You had to be quick to percussively EXTEND the break — DJs you KNOW.
Aretha, Rest In Peace. #RIP #RipArethaFranklin #HHPPT pic.twitter.com/HsWI0hFbFK
— Grandmaster Flash (@DJFlash4eva) August 16, 2018

I’ve had so many influences in my life, and one of them is the Queen of Soul. Rest In Peace, Aretha. I’ll sing this one for you. https://t.co/GcwwWioHsl
— Reba (@reba) August 16, 2018

Rest easy #ARETHAFRANKLIN I imagine u in heaven performing & still making people souls moveðŸ™ŒðŸ¾ this was my aunt favorite record #RockSteady you will always be the Queen of Soul you been that before many of us were born! Thank you for giving us LEGENDARY TIMELESS music ðŸ™ðŸ¾â¤ï¸ pic.twitter.com/bEueBCLGJ9
— Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) August 16, 2018

Recently, my friend Aretha sent me beautiful flowers with the message “Just Because.”
That’s the kind and generous spirit of the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. Her spirit lives within me, and I will hold on to it forever.
— Maxine Waters (@RepMaxineWaters) August 16, 2018

“The Music Business Association and music fans around the world are extremely saddened by the news of the passing of the legendary Aretha Franklin. Simply put, there was no one like her. Her voice was one for the ages. Aretha was honored by our Association with numerous awards for her hit songs in the 1960s and 1970s. On a personal note, I had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be in the audience at the 1998 Grammy Awards at Radio City Music Hall in New York when Aretha surprised everyone when she came on stage in place of Luciano Pavarotti, who had taken ill and could not perform. Aretha then proceeded to completely take the audience’s collective breath away as she majestically delivered her own unique rendition of ‘Nessun Dorma.’ People are still talking about that moment 20 years later. Music Biz sends its deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Aretha’s family, friends, and colleagues and to the millions and millions of her fans circling the globe who will continue enjoying her artistry for eternity.” —James Donio

We mourn the passing of Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul. Her voice will keep lifting us, through the music she gave the world. Our thoughts are with her family, her loved ones and fans everywhere. Take her hand, precious Lord, and lead her home. ðŸŽ¶ pic.twitter.com/I84HTEVZU1
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) August 16, 2018

We mourn the incredibly sad loss of an exceptional and inspiring talent.
Thank you to the Queen of Soul for sharing your precious gift with the world.
Rest in Peace, Aretha Franklin pic.twitter.com/BaEH4xkQRB
— Sony/ATV Music Publishing (@SonyATVMusicPub) August 16, 2018

NEW: Rep. John Lewis on Aretha Franklin: “When she sang, she embodied what we were fighting for, and her music strengthened us...When we would be released from jail after a non-violent protest, we might go to a late night club and let the music of Aretha Franklin fill our hearts" pic.twitter.com/jHvPWwEPJY
— ABC News (@ABC) August 16, 2018

Today, we remember and celebrate the life of one of the great entertainers in modern American history. Aretha, thank you for all that you have given us. You will not be forgotten. https://t.co/UslT0ntBjM
— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) August 16, 2018

Remember when she stepped in last minute for Pavarotti at the Grammys and just shook us all to our core and made us question the universe by singing Nessun Dorma? #RipArethaFranklin https://t.co/Fg5tbxpl9R
— shonda rhimes (@shondarhimes) August 16, 2018

The greatest voice in American popular music has been stilled. Our beloved #ArethaFranklin has gone. For me, she was a musical lighthouse, guiding and inspiring with every note. I loved her so and love her still. Goodbye, Queen of Soul.
— Bette Midler (@BetteMidler) August 16, 2018

Always loved you, always will @ArethaFranklin. Not only the Queen of Soul but the queen of all our hearts. - Sir Rod xxx pic.twitter.com/bRAhQcPETw
— Sir Rod Stewart (@rodstewart) August 16, 2018

The queen of soul…
There will never be another.
So much love and respect from the McGraw family.
A friend of mine told me once,
“when you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced, live your life so that when you’re gone, the world cries and you rejoice.” #ArethaFranklin pic.twitter.com/7U9n4FdzSv
— Tim McGraw (@TheTimMcGraw) August 16, 2018

Her voice; her presence; her style
No one did it better
Truly the Queen of Soul
I will miss you!@ArethaFranklin #QueenOfSoul pic.twitter.com/Gw5XEhsxjH
— Lionel Richie (@LionelRichie) August 16, 2018

Aretha Franklin is the reason why I sing from that part deep inside of me that few could ever reach. She was my favorite and will always be. What a gift she has left all of us with her musical footprints. There will never be another like her. She was truly special. #QueenOfSoul
— Kelly Clarkson (@kelly_clarkson) August 16, 2018

People turned the Franklin Street subway stop in NYC into a makeshift memorial for the late Aretha Franklin. pic.twitter.com/CmT00mdS1n
— AJ+ (@ajplus) August 16, 2018