The Queen of Soul died on the same day as the King of Rock and Roll.
Music legendAretha Frankindied Thursday morningof advance pancreatic cancer of the neuroendocrine type at the age of 76 — exactly 41 years afterElvis Presleydied under extremely different circumstances.
While the death of the “Respect” singer was anticipated in recent days, Presley’s death stunned the world. He was just 42 years old when Ginger Alden walked into the bathroom adjoining the palatial master bedroom of Graceland and discovered the star’s body.
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Last year, thousands of fans gathered at Presley’s iconic Memphis mansion in honor of the40th anniversary of his death. The singer’s former wifePriscilla Presleywas spotted mingling with attendees in the afternoon, and his only child,Lisa Marie Presley, was also at the memorial alongside twin daughters Harper and Finley Lockwood. She lit candles with mourners, joining them for a procession throughout the grounds of the 13.8-acre estate — which includes the graves of Elvis, his parents and his grandmother.
Courtesy Graceland
Franklin hadstruggled with her healthfor years, and a source told PEOPLE Monday that she had taken a turn for the worse, adding that her death was“imminent.”
On Thursday, the icon’s family released a touching statement addressing their loss.
“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,” they said. “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.”
RB/Redferns
Funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days.
source: people.com
