Aretha Franklin, the long-reigning “Queen of Soul” who sang with matchless style on such classics as “Think” and her signature song, “Respect,” has died at 76.

Her representative, Gwendolyn Quinn, confirmed the death this afternoon.

The cause was advanced pancreatic cancer.

Her prolific career spanned six decades and she was still performing in her 70s.

In 2015, her performance of "A Natural Woman" at the Kennedy Center Honors brought President Barack Obama to tears.

That same year she sang for Pope Francis in Philadelphia.

Born in Mephis and raised in Detroit, Ms Franklin had a troubled childhood. 

Her mother moved away when she was six and, four years later, died of a heart attack, leaving her dad to raise their daughter on his own.

Just before she turned 13, Franklin gave birth to her first child, and she had the second of her four children less than two years later.

The singer also struggled with depression, alcoholism and her weight.

Her last known performance was in November, for Elton John's AIDS Foundation Fall Gala.

Ms Franklin died in Detroit, which is where she spent most of her childhood and adult life.

In 2016, she made headlines when she donated hotel stays and food to nearby Flint residents during their water crisis.