Aretha Franklin's death certificate confirms cause of death
Aretha Franklin's death certificate has confirmed her cause of death.
One day after the Queen of Soul passed away on Thursday morning at the age of 76, TMZ obtained the late singer's death certificate that cites pancreatic cancer as her cause of death, confirming what Franklin's publicist said in her statement the day before.
"Franklin's official cause of death was due to advance pancreatic cancer of the neuroendocrine type, which was confirmed by Franklin's oncologist, Dr. Philip Phillips of Karamonos Cancer Institute," Gwendolyn Quinn's statement read.
Rumors started that Franklin had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer back in 2010, but the singer never publicly confirmed that she was sick.
Franklin's death certificate confirms that she died at 9:50 a.m., while also revealing that she will be entombed at Woodlawn Cemetery in Detroit. TMZ notes that Rosa Parks is buried at the same cemetery.
The late singer's family is reportedly planning a four-day celebration of Franklin's life, which will include a two-day public viewing at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit and feature an open casket. Thousands are expected to show up for the event, which explains the venue and length of time for the viewing.
Franklin's funeral will be held at Greater Grace Temple for the singer's friends and family. No date has been announced for either service.
