Patti LaBelle put her long-running feud with Aretha Franklin to rest with a touching tribute to the late singer

She released a statement on Twitter which read: "I am deeply saddened about the passing of the Queen of Soul and my sister in song, Aretha Franklin. Today the world has experienced a tremendous loss. Aretha was a rare treasure whose unmatched musical genius helped craft the soundtrack to the lives of so many."

She also posted: "Rest in peace Aretha. [heart emoji] (sic)"

Since news broke of Aretha's death, a number of stars have paid tribute to the 'Who's Zoomin' Who' singer.

Jennifer Hudson, who will play the music legend in a biopic next year, shared a video of herself listening to the singer's version of The Beatles' 'Let it Be' and posted on Instagram: "I have no words, so I will let the Queen say it!

"But I will say while teaching me about your life, u taught me so much about life and schooled me in mine. I will never forget those teachings #riparethafranklin."

Legendary producer Quincy Jones - who worked with Aretha on her 1973 album 'Hey Now Hey (The Other Side of the Sky)' hailed his late friend a "true queen".

He said in a statement: "From the time that Dinah Washington first told me that Aretha was the 'next one' when she was 12 years old until the present day, Aretha Franklin set the bar upon which every female singer has and will be measured.

"And she did it with the professionalism, class, grace and humility that only a true queen could.

"I treasured every moment that we spent together, from working in the recording studio to performing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial or simply hanging in the kitchen, and I will miss her dearly. R.I.P. Ree-Ree. You will reign as the queen forever."

Beatles drummer Sir Ringo Starr also called the late singer a "queen".

He said: "God bless Aretha Franklin the queen of soul and peace and love to her family."

Celine Dion described the 'Natural Woman' hitmaker as the "most inspirational singer of our time".

She wrote on Facebook: "I'm deeply saddened to learn that Aretha Franklin has passed. She was an unbelievable artist, who inspired me and millions of others. She was the most soulful and inspirational singer of our time... there will never be anyone like her."

The 'My Heart Will Go On' hitmaker went on to recall the "great privilege" of sharing a stage with Aretha during the 1998 VH1 special 'Divas'.

She added: "It was truly one of the greatest moments of my career. I send my prayers and condolences to her family and loved ones."

Billy Ocean said the 'A Little Prayer' singer will be the "greatest singing Angel in heaven".

He wrote on Instagram: "I can never forget the first time I heard the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin singing 'Say a Little Prayer', I thought it was the greatest record I ever heard at that stage in my life.She will be the greatest singing Angel in heaven! May her soul and spirit rest in peace. One love (sic)"