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Having stayed in hiding since the birth of her baby daughter Blue, Beyonce took to her website to give a statement on the passing of Etta James, the legendary singer she played in the film “Cadillac Records.”

She wrote:

“This is a huge loss. Etta James was one of the greatest vocalists of our time. I am so fortunate to have met such a queen. Her musical contributions will last a lifetime. Playing Etta James taught me so much about myself, and singing her music inspired me to be a stronger artist. When she effortlessly opened her mouth, you could hear her pain and triumph. Her deeply emotional way of delivering a song told her story with no filter. She was fearless, and had guts. She will be missed.”

Fellow legend Aretha Franklin also wrote: “Etta James was one of the great soul singers of our generation. An American original! I loved “Pushover,” “At Last” and almost any and everything she recorded!!! When Etta SUNG, you heard it!”

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Watch Beyonce take on “I’d Rather Go Blind” as Etta below: