Aretha Franklin has died, aged 76.

Regarded as one of the greatest singers of all time and paramount to the development of soul music, she was reported to have been very ill earlier this week due to advanced pancreatic cancer, with her family having spent the last few days at her bedside.

Franklin had been ill since 2010 when she underwent surgery for a tumour, but has played some live shows since. She announced her retirement from touring last year, but had been lined up for two shows at New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Fest in April of this year. Both were later cancelled under doctor's orders.

Across her lengthy career, Franklin sold more than 75 million records worldwide and won 18 Grammy Awards, releasing a total of 42 studio albums. Her last album, titled A Brand New Me, was released in November of last year.

Born on March 25, 1942, Franklin released her first album, Songs Of Faith, in 1956, aged 14.