The world has lost a cultural icon with the death of Aretha Franklin, and the sports community is joining the rest of the world in mourning the Queen of Soul’s passing.
Franklin died in her Detroit home Thursday morning after a long battle with pancreatic cancer at the age of 76, as confirmed in a statement released by the singer’s longtime publicist on behalf of her family and friends.
Franklin was the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. She won 18 Grammy Awards in her lifetime, achieved 20 number one singles, and sold more than 75 million records.
Between her performances for presidents, royalty and adoring fans, the sports world was fortunate enough to be graced with Franklin’s presence on multiple occasions.
Alongside Aaron Neville, pianist Dr. John and a 150-member choir, Franklin performed the national anthem at Superbowl XL in 2006.
The Queen of Soul also performed a chilling version of ‘America the Beautiful’ at WrestleMania III, and most recently sung the national anthem at the 2016 Thanksgiving Day game between the Detroit Lions and the Minnesota Vikings.
The icon even threw on a baseball cap, grabbed a bat and treated the world to the best version of Take Me Out To the Ball Game, possibly ever, for a 1990s MLB promo with the Detroit Tigers.
Tributes and words of love poured in from athletes honoring the Queen of Soul and her lasting legacy.
Franklin was also honored with a billboard in Detroit’s Comerica Park.
