What year did Aretha Franklin die?

Aretha Franklin died in 2018.

Franklin died on August 16, 2018, at her home in Detroit, Michigan. She was 76 years old. Her publicist reported that the cause was advanced pancreatic cancer of the neuroendocrine type, following a period of declining health.

News of her death prompted tributes from musicians, political leaders, and fans around the world. Franklin had spent more than five decades performing and recording, becoming one of the most influential singers in popular music. Her funeral in Detroit brought together performers and public figures who celebrated both her music and her role in American cultural life.

The year can be confused with nearby dates because several major tributes and commemorative events took place after her death. The 2018 date refers specifically to her death, not to her retirement or the release of her final recordings. Franklin's legacy continued through archival releases, documentaries, and posthumous honors.