Key status and age at death
Aretha Franklin died on August 16, 2018 at age 76. She was born on March 25, 1942 in Memphis, Tennessee, and passed away at her home in Detroit, Michigan, after a battle with pancreatic cancer. The official cause of death was listed as pancreatic cancer, with hypertension and diabetes as contributing conditions. This status clarifier presents verified details only, focusing on widely reported facts from authoritative sources and public records.
Verified biographical timeline
Below is a concise, source-aligned timeline of major life and career anchors related to Franklin’s age and status. Dates and ages are derived from publicly available records and reputable outlets.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | March 25, 1942 | Public records, biographies |
| Date of death | August 16, 2018 | Obituaries, news reports |
| Age at death | 76 years old | Calculated from above dates |
| Place of death | Detroit, Michigan, USA | Local reports, family statements |
| Primary cause of death | Pancreatic cancer | Medical reports, coroner |
Context on age reporting
Age at death is commonly calculated in whole years. Franklin’s age of 76 reflects the elapsed years from March 25, 1942, to August 16, 2018. In some contexts, she is described as having been 76 years old at the time of her passing; this is consistent across authoritative news accounts and public records.
Career highlights and cultural status
Franklin, the “Queen of Soul,” pioneered soul and R&B and became one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Recognized with 18 Grammy Awards and induction into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, her influence extended far beyond chart performance. Her status as an icon is well established and enduring.
Key accolades at a glance
- 18 Grammy Awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee (1987)
- Grammy Living Legend Award (1994)
- Presidential Medal of Freedom (2005)
Clarifying cause and age-related questions
When exploring how old Franklin was at her passing, related queries often involve cause of death and legacy. Public records and reputable sources confirm pancreatic cancer as the primary cause, with age 76 documented consistently. These facts are widely corroborated and remain valid for ongoing reference.
Reliable sourcing and verification
Information in this status clarifier is drawn from obituaries, news coverage, and official records. Each key claim is traceable to authoritative sources. By limiting content to verified details, the piece avoids speculation and remains useful over time.
Evergreen takeaways
For long-term utility, remember these points: Franklin was born March 25, 1942; she died August 16, 2018 at age 76 in Detroit; the cause was pancreatic cancer. These facts are stable and continue to be relevant for biographical, historical, and informational purposes.
FAQ
Reader questions
How old was Aretha Franklin when she passed away?
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, USA.
What was the cause of death?
The primary cause was pancreatic cancer, with hypertension and diabetes listed as contributing conditions.