Minister of Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa has expressed sadness at the passing away of legendary American singer and songwriter, Aretha Franklin.
“Her voice regenerated our hearts with hope of a brighter day like the sunrise, yet it still produced the calming effects of a sunset. But even the sun shall never set on her legacy,” the Minister said in a Tweet on his official Twitter account.
The renowned singer, also known as "The Queen of Soul," died on Thursday after a battle with pancreatic cancer. She was surrounded by family and friends in Detroit.
“In one of the darkest moments of our lives, we are not able to find the appropriate words to express the pain in our heart. 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,” Franklin's publicist, Gwendolyn Quinn said in a statement. – SAnews.gov.za
