Harlem's Apollo Theater Honors Late Soul Singer Aretha Franklin

HARLEM, NY — Harlem paid tribute to late soul icon Aretha Franklin by adorning her plaque on the Apollo Walk of Fame with flowers and photos of the Memphis-born singer. The legendary Harlem theater's marquee read "Rest in peace Aretha Franklin — Queen of Soul" on Thursday following news of the singer's death.

Franklin died at her Detroit home at the age of 76 due to advanced pancreatic cancer. News of the singer's deteriorating health broke earlier this week. Known as the "Queen of Soul," Franklin's personality and rich soulful voice transcended popular music genres and touched countless generations of music lovers.

Tributes to Franklin also appeared at the Franklin Street subway stop in Tribeca and the Franklin Avenue subway stop in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn. Transit officials had no immediate plans to remove the station tributes on Thursday.

Franklin's family issued a statement Thursday morning:

"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. "We have been deeply touched by the incredible outpouring of love and support we have received from close friends, supporters and fans all around the world. Thank you for your compassion and prayers. We have felt your love for Aretha and it brings us comfort to know that her legacy will live on. As we grieve, we ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time."

Funeral arrangements will be announced soon.

Read Patch's full Aretha Franklin obituary here.

Photos by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images News/Getty Images