De country artiesten treuren om het overlijden van Aretha Franklin die gisteren op 76-jarige leeftijd overleed.

Faith Hill, die een nooit uitgebrachte song met Aretha opnam, meldt via Twitter: “The choir of angels now have the greatest voice of all time to lead, praise and join in to sing before Jesus. I wanted to share this photo because it shows just how soulful Aretha was without uttering a word. To say I was humbled to be in her presence would be an understatement.”

Carrie Underwood zei: “This world needs women who are strong, independent, smart, talented, and fierce. That said, we lost one today. Even though we say “goodbye” to a legend, her legacy will live on and she will forever have our love and #RESPECT. Sing with angels, Aretha.”

Reba McEntire, die “R-E-S-P-E-C-T” zong tijdens de 1988 CMA awards haalde Aretha aan als iemand die veel invloed op haar gehad  heeft: “I’ve had so many influences in my life, and one of them is the Queen of Soul. Rest In Peace, Aretha. I’ll sing this one for you.”

Tim McGraw twitterde: “The queen of soul… There will never be another. So much love and respect from the McGraw family. A friend of mine told me once, “when you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced, live your life so that when you’re gone, the world cries and you rejoice.” #ArethaFranklin.”

Dolly Parton zei: “I’m one of the lucky ones to have seen Aretha perform in the very beginning of her career. She was amazing then and just became greater through the years. Talk about R.E.S.P.E.C.T., we have it for you, Aretha. You will never be forgotten.”

Miranda Lambert noemde de zangeres “The greatest of all time. #ArethaFranlin.”

Rascal Flatts twitterde “Rest in Peace, sweet Aretha #QueenOfSoul. We loved you and your music oh so much. An absolute legend that can never be replaced!”