The legendary singer, who had pancreatic cancer, passed away in Detroit.
The Queen of Soul was named the number 1 singer of all time by Rolling Stone, her legacy stretches back to the 60s.
Throughout her career she sold 75 million records, performed at 3 presidential inaugurations and won 18 Grammy Awards.
She became the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005.
The music icon last performed in November.
Of her singing she said: "I'm using to the highest degree possible the gift that god gave me - I'm happy with that".
