14 beautiful quotes from Aretha Franklin you need to have in your life

Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, is has died at the age of 76.

Franklin was first reported to be “gravely ill” in a Detroit hospice by news anchor and close friend Evrod Cassimy.

She gave her final performance last November at a New York gala held in aid of the Elton John Aids Foundation.

The legendary singer was a true inspiration her whole life - and not just with her music.

Here are a collection of her best and most inspiring quotes.

1. On relationships.

The man who gets me is getting one hell of a woman.

2. Talking about being a parent.

As a parent you try to maintain a certain amount of control and so you have this tug-of-war... You have to learn when to let go. And that's not easy.

3. Weighing in on politics and music.

Politics are not my arena. Music is.

Picture: Getty Images

4. On being a singer.

Being a singer is a natural gift. It means I'm using to the highest degree possible the gift that God gave me to use. I'm happy with that.

5. When you think you're searching for something.

Sometimes, what you're looking for is already there.

Picture: Getty Images

6. Working hard to get what you want.

We didn't have music videos. You weren't an overnight sensation. You had to work at it and learn your craft: how to take care of your voice, how to pace your concerts, all that trial and error.

7. About her glorious, wonderful hair.

I'm a big woman. I need big hair.

8. Something many of us forget.

We all require and want respect, man or woman, black or white. It's our basic human right.

9. What women deserve.

Women absolutely deserve respect.

10. Being humble and gracious.

People really don't have to give you anything, so appreciate what people give you. And just don't let that go to your head, whatever it is they give you.

11. On being confident and true to yourself

Be your own artist, and always be confident in what you're doing. If you're not going to be confident, you might as well not be doing it.

12. The importance of music.

Music does a lot of things for a lot of people. It's transporting, for sure. It can take you right back, years back, to the very moment certain things happened in your life. It's uplifting, it's encouraging, it's strengthening.

13. On being the Queen of Soul.

Being the Queen is not all about singing and being a diva is not all about singing. It has much to do with your service to people. And your social contributions to your community and your civic contributions as well.

14. Making a name for yourself.

I've been around long enough for people to know who I am and what my contributions are. They know me as more than just an artist. I think they know me as a woman as well.

Read more: Aretha Franklin's 10 greatest songs