Aretha Franklin’s Family Reveals Singer’s Cause Of Death In Heart-Wrenching Statement
Feb. 25 2019, Updated 11:48 a.m. ET
Hours after Aretha Franklin died inside her Detroit home, her heartbroken family is now revealing new details about the singer's declining health and sad passing.
“It is with deep and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Aretha Louise Franklin, the Queen of Soul,” said the family via the late star's longtime publicist, Gwendolyn Quinn.
“Franklin, 76 years old, passed away on Thursday morning, August 16 at 9:50 a.m. at her home in Detroit, MI, surrounded by family and loved ones,” the statement continued.
“Franklin’s official cause of death was due to advanced pancreatic cancer of the neuroendocrine type, which was confirmed by Franklin’s Oncologist, Dr. Philip Phillips of Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit, MI.”
As RadarOnline.com previously reported, Franklin was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2010. While her treatment seemed to be working, the illness came back in 2017. In her final days, family members admitted the music icon was “very ill.”
While family members had not spoken of Franklin’s health crisis until now, The National Enquirer reported the singer had been battling the deadly illness, years ago.
Learning this, longtime friends and loved ones rushed to her bedside to say their final goodbyes.
“In one of the darkest moments of our lives, we are not able to find the appropriate words to express the pain in our hearts. 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,” continued Franklin’s family.
“We have been deeply touched by the incredible outpouring of love and support we have received from close friends, supporters and fans all around the world. Thank you for your compassion and prayers. We have felt your love for Aretha and it brings us comfort to know that her legacy will live on. As we grieve, we ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time,” they concluded.
The family confirmed that Aretha Franklin’s funeral arrangements will be announced in the upcoming days. As RadarOnline.com reported, the icon’s grave was prepped by family members hours before her death.
“A family member of mine works at the cemetery where Aretha has her plot and they have begun preparing already,” a snitch told RadarOnline.com before the singer’s passing. “I am guessing her family has spoken to the cemetery and told them her death will be very soon.”
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