Aretha Franklin fans honor 'Queen of Soul' with flowers, crown at singer's Hollywood Walk of Fame star

HOLLYWOOD, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Aretha Franklin fans showed their love for the late "Queen of Soul" by bringing flowers, photos and even a crown to the singer's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Fans flocked to the star throughout Thursday after hearing the news of the singer's death. They sang and shared recollections of the music icon.

"My father played her music growing up in our home. He blasted it in the living room, and so we've known her in our lives since we were little," said Thembekila Smart, who said her favorite Franklin song was "Respect."

Franklin took soul music to its commercial and creative pinnacle in the 1960s.

MORE: Music industry and the world grieve Aretha Franklin

Crowds gather at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York to honor Aretha Franklin after her death.

"She's the 'Queen of Soul.' She touched every part of me when I was a youngster (and during) Vietnam," said Martin Wade.

Franklin died from the advanced stages of pancreatic cancer. Some who had met her could not contain their emotions reflecting on just how humble and loving she was to them.

"Her legacy is written in my heart," Wade said.

Aretha Franklin fans around Los Angeles showed their love for the late "Queen of Soul" on Thursday.

Pink's Hot Dogs, one of Franklin's favorite restaurants, also paid tribute to her on Thursday by using condiments to spell her name on hot dogs.

MORE: Aretha Franklin through the years

From topping the charts with "Respect" to performing at presidential inaugurations and winning 18 Grammys, these are the major milestones of Aretha Franklin's life and career.

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In this Feb. 10, 2012 file photo, actor Max von Sydow poses at the International Film Festival Berlinale, in Berlin.

AP Photo/Gero Breloer, File