Barbra Streisand and More Stars React to Aretha Franklin’s Death: “She Was a Uniquely Brilliant Singer”

Barbra Streisand

“This photo was taken in 2012 when Aretha and I performed at a tribute celebration for our friend Marvin Hamlisch. It’s difficult to conceive of a world without her. Not only was she a uniquely brilliant singer, but her commitment to civil rights made an indelible impact on the world,” Barbra wrote on Instagram. 

Kelly Ripa

“#RIP R E S P E C T to the queen of soul. Thankful to have been in the presence of such greatness,” Kelly wrote on Instagram. 

Elton John

“The loss of @ArethaFranklin is a blow for everybody who loves real music: Music from the heart, the soul, and the Church. Her voice was unique, her piano playing underrated — she was one of my favourite pianists,” Elton wrote on Twitter. 

Diana Ross

“I’m sitting in prayer for the wonderful golden spirit Aretha Franklin,” Diana wrote on Twitter. 

Hillary Clinton

“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 wrote on Twitter. 

John Stamos

“She was music. Soul, grace, and respect! #ArethaFranklin #Musicares2008 #RIP,” John wrote on Twitter. 

John Legend

“Salute to the Queen. The greatest vocalist I’ve ever known. #Aretha,” John wrote on Twitter. 

Hugh Jackman

“One of the highlights of my career was singing with #ArethaFranklin at The Tony Awards. It was an out of body experience for me. One of greatest singers of all time. You will be missed by all,” Hugh wrote on Twitter. 

Jamie Lee Curtis

“R E S P E C T,” Jamie Lee wrote on Twitter. 

Clive Davis

“I’m absolutely devastated by Aretha’s passing. She was truly one of a kind. She was more than the Queen of Soul. She was a national treasure to be cherished by every generation throughout the world. Apart from our long professional relationship, Aretha was my friend. Her loss is deeply profound and my heart is full of sadness,” Clive wrote on Twitter. 

Shonda Rhimes

“So much talent, so much music. It was a gift to work with her. R.E.S.P.E.C.T. #riparethafranklin,” Shonda wrote on Instagram. 

Andy Cohen

“That voice. That soul. That spirit. I was always a fan — aren’t we all? Then, out of the blue, The Queen summoned me to tea last year at the Ritz. She wanted to talk Housewives. I was at her service. She talked about the ladies like they were characters on a soap opera and I interspersed questions about her life and career. We swapped numbers and texted about what was happening with the girls in Atlanta. She put me in her phone as ‘Mr. Cohen/Housewives.’ It tickled me to no end. LONG LIVE THE QUEEN,” Andy wrote on Instagram. 

Idina Menzel

“Goodbye Ms. Aretha. You were my idol. The greatest singer of all time. Every note you sang was pure and authentic and pierced our hearts with joy and pain and life,” Idina wrote on Twitter. 

More from Closer Weekly

Inside Tina Turner’s Tearful Goodbye to Her Son: “She Was Always There for Him” (EXCLUSIVE)
Kathie Lee Gifford Candidly Opens up About Being a Widow Three Years After Husband Frank Gifford’s Death
David Cassidy’s Son Will Allegedly Inherit a Lot More Than He Thought From Late Father