Things to Do
Things to Do

RIP, Aretha Franklin. Fans flood social media with outpourings of love

A publicist for the iconic diva confirmed she has died in Detroit, MI, surrounded by loved ones.
By Shelia Poole
Aug 16, 2018

Aretha Franklin, the undisputed  Queen of Soul, whose powerful voice was adored by generations has died.

She was 76.

Fans  and fellow performers took to Twitter   to send their prayers and to remember Franklin’s iconic voice  and her commitment to civil rights.

About the Author

Shelia has worked at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution for more than 30 years. Previously, she worked at The Lexington Herald-Leader and The Louisville Defender. Her beat is a bit of a mixed bag that includes religion and spirituality, culture and trends, race and aging. She earned degrees from Spelman College and Northwestern University.

Follow Shelia Poole on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

Plenty of free activities for kids are part of the Peachtree Corners Festival on Saturday and Sunday, including bubble fun, sand art and face painting. (Courtesy of Peachtree Corners Festival)

Credit: Photo courtesy of Peachtree Corners Festival

15 family-friendly things to do in metro Atlanta this weekend

From Atlanta History Center's Fall Fest with 4-H to an Hispanic Heritage Month event in Acworth, here are 15 family-friendly doings in metro Atlanta for Sept. 19-21.

Beyond the headliners, here are 11 acts not to miss at Shaky Knees

Moving to Piedmont Park, annual indie rock festival Shaky Knees will resonate across four stages this weekend.

The Latest

Plenty of free activities for kids are part of the Peachtree Corners Festival on Saturday and Sunday, including bubble fun, sand art and face painting. (Courtesy of Peachtree Corners Festival)

Credit: Photo courtesy of Peachtree Corners Festival

15 family-friendly things to do in metro Atlanta this weekend

Beyond the headliners, here are 11 acts not to miss at Shaky Knees

Where can I find it?

Featured

Julian Conley listens during opening statements in his trial at Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. The 25-year-old is accused of fatally shooting 8-year-old Secoriea Turner in July 2020. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com

Police abandoned area where 8-year-old was shot, detective testifies

The testimony came as trial began for Julian Conley, the man accused of fatally shooting the child near the burned-down Wendy’s where Rayshard Brooks was killed weeks earlier.

Emory giving free tuition to students from families making under $200,000

Starting next academic year, Emory University will be tuition-free for undergraduates whose families earn less than $200,000, a move that could help hundreds of students.

Weekend Predictions: Another winning weekend for Falcons, Georgia Tech?

Weekend Predictions is off to a hot start. But will wins by the Atlanta Falcons, Georgia Tech and Georgia State keep this streak alive?