Is Aretha Franklin still alive?

Short Answer

Deceased as of February 7, 2026

Basic Profile

Full Name: Aretha Franklin
Date of Birth: March 25, 1942
Nationality: American
Primary Known For: Queen of Soul, Respect
Date of Death: August 16, 2018
Cause of Death: Pancreatic cancer

Latest Confirmed Status Summary

Aretha Franklin died on August 16, 2018. They were known for Queen of Soul, Respect. Their legacy continues in [add legacy statement].

Notable Facts

Queen of Soul, Respect
[Add 2-3 more notable achievements]
[Add legacy or posthumous recognition]

Sources

Wikipedia: Aretha Franklin (verified citations, checked February 7, 2026)
Major obituary (update with real URL)
Biography source (update with real URL)

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Disclaimer: This information is based on publicly available sources and is updated periodically. For the most current information, please verify with official sources.