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Young People Are Wrecked Over the Death of Aretha Franklin Too

(Aretha Franklin performing at President Obama's inauguration. Photo by Cecilio Ricardo, U.S. Air Force, via Wikimedia Commons)

Young people from Little Miss Flint to singers and beyond are paying tribute to the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, since her death was announced this morning.

Here’s a snapshot of what they’re saying about the icon on social media.

Rest in power Aretha Franklin ?
— Mari Copeny (@LittleMissFlint) August 16, 2018

I don’t think y’all understand how big of an ICON Aretha Franklin was!

– she was the first woman to be inducted in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

– She sung at MLK’s Funeral and Barack Obama’s Inauguration

– She’s won 18 Grammy Awards

– Awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom pic.twitter.com/bZ6eoiD2Z6
— Jason Andrew Hale?✨? (@EchoesFromAbove) August 16, 2018

I used to sing along to your songs until I lost my voice. I would tell myself I wasn’t good enough until I could pull off an Aretha tune. You set the bar so high. You demonstrated true greatness and musicianship. A true queen. We were blessed to have you. #RIPAretha pic.twitter.com/QwSSyI6d3o
— Lili K (@LiliKjazz) August 16, 2018

One of my all time favorite performances of Aretha Franklin that brought me to tears. RIP to the legend, to the icon, to the Queen Of Soul. #RESPECT pic.twitter.com/MT21Qdco9j
— Ricky Davila (@TheRickyDavila) August 16, 2018

Dead Aretha Franklin, thank you for showing me what beautiful looks like. Thanks for opening up so many doors for black women and girls. Thank you for touching souls with your beautiful music. you will be missed. Today we lost a legend. R.I.P?#ArethaFranklin #QueenOfSoul
— Rakeb Berhane (@urfaveactivist) August 16, 2018

what little girl doesn't remember the first time they belted out respect by aretha? what an honor to have grown up in a time with such incredible black women in the limelight.
— badgalrani (@meanhattan) August 16, 2018

My heart hurts. Aretha Franklin is gone. May she forever Rest In Peace.
— Black Girl Magic✨ (@JamaicanVibe) August 16, 2018

Thankful for Aretha Franklin. She taught generations of little rock n’ roll black girls like me to sing full voice without shame or hesitation

A million times thank you, mama
We love you
You are the greatest
— Xiomara (@graceboogie) August 16, 2018

Lady Soul; gone to soon.
— Thicky Ricardo (@MsSmartie2u) August 16, 2018

From singing at Martin Luther King, Jr.’s funeral to President Obama’s first inauguration, Aretha Franklin was truly a legend. ♥️
— ?.?.?. (@_autumnalexis) August 16, 2018

My parents had Aretha Franklin. I have Ariana Grande. And they wonder why millennials are annoying.
— Peter Bukowski (@Peter_Bukowski) August 16, 2018

I’m such an old soul, people might say “you’re too young to know about Aretha Franklin” Listen LINDA..with the parents I have; I was raised up on listening to Aretha Franklin, Donny Hathaway, Anita baker, Patti, prince and etc In my household GOOD music was always being played..
— She’s Dєѕтιиу Jαѕмιиє??☺️ (@Adore_dess) August 16, 2018

Fa sum reason I feel like Ms. Aretha was my grandma or sum. This hurts!
— Sosa (@____hayis) August 16, 2018

Also: It’s never too late to discover Aretha.

I JUST listened to Aretha Franklin for the first time today afternoon and I fell in love with A change is gonna come and she just passed away? Damn! #RIP
— Jacqueline Sakrii Terry (@SakriiTerry) August 16, 2018

Too young to know about Aretha Franklin but RIP!
— Adil (@2KADIL) August 16, 2018

So I called my grandma about Aretha Franklin and she says “Awwww lawd the Queen is gone” I said “grandma we have Beyoncé now” she says “Nigga please” ??????
— ? (@Tayaf__) August 16, 2018

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