Age and date of death
Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, died on August 16, 2108, at the age of 76. She passed at her home in Detroit, Michigan, after a battle with metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer. The medical cause of death was listed as pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer, along with hypertension and arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease as contributing conditions. Confirming her age at death helps clarify public records and honors her legacy with factual precision.
Confirmed facts and timeline
The following table compiles verified details about Franklin’s death, including age, date, place, and cause. These data points are drawn from authoritative sources such as certified death certificates and reputable news reports that cited official records.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Aretha Louise Franklin | Official records |
| Date of birth | March 25, 1942 | Birth certificate |
| Date of death | August 16, 2018 | Death certificate |
| Age at death | 76 years old | Death certificate |
| Place of death | Detroit, Michigan, USA | Medical examiner |
| Primary cause | Medical examiner report | |
| Contributing conditions | Hypertension, arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease | Medical examiner report |
Career milestones at a glance
Franklin’s age and career stage are closely tied to her historic achievements. Understanding her timeline contextualizes why her passing at 76 marked the end of an era for American music and civil rights advocacy.
Key ages and milestones
- 12 (1954): Signed with JVB/Townsend Records; first recordings released.
- 18 (1960): Signed with Columbia Records; released first national pop single.
- 27 (1967): Breakthrough year with “I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)” and subsequent Atlantic era classics.
- 35 (1975): Moved to Rockland Records; continued shaping soul, R&B, and gospel sounds.
- 76 (2018): Age at death; legacy cemented as one of the greatest vocalists and cultural forces of the 20th century.
Context on pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer
Franklin’s primary cause of death was pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer, a rarer form of pancreatic cancer that can progress differently than the more common pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Understanding this distinction helps clarify public reporting and underscores the complexity of her medical journey.
Legacy and public records
Confirming how old Aretha Franklin was when she passed provides factual closure while reinforcing the enduring impact of her work. Accurate age and date information support responsible documentation of her life, enabling respectful remembrance and correct historical records for future generations.
Clarifying common questions
Below are concise answers to recurring questions about Franklin’s age and death, designed to dispel confusion and reinforce verified information.
How old was Aretha Franklin when she passed?
She was 76 years old at the time of her death on August 16, 2018.
Where did she die?
She died at her home in Detroit, Michigan.
What was the official cause of death?
The medical cause of death was pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer, with hypertension and arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease listed as contributing conditions.