The Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin has made history with a Posthumous Pulitzer Prize Special Citation win. The star became the first individual woman to earn a special citation prize since it was first awarded in 1930. The award recognises Aretha for her contribution to American music and culture for more than five decades. This comes seven months after her death from pancreatic cancer at age 76.
Aretha’s niece and the executor of her estate, Sabrina Owens told the Associated Press, “Aretha is blessed and highly favored even in death. She’s continued to receive multiple awards — she’s received almost every award imaginable and now to get the Pulitzer Prize, it’s just amazing.” Owens continued, “Aretha continues to bless us with her music and just paving the way for women going forward. It’s thrilling. She would be so happy right now.”
Aretha Franklin makes history with a Posthumous Pulitzer Prize win. Congratulations!
Congratulations to @ArethaFranklin and her family and friends. #Pulitzer #QueenOfSoul #Respect pic.twitter.com/SRdwncE5UI
— The Pulitzer Prizes (@PulitzerPrizes) April 15, 2019
