Popsugar Celebrity Celebrity Deaths Mariah Carey's Reaction to Aretha Franklin's Death Mariah Carey's Tribute to Her "Inspiration, Mentor, and Friend" Aretha Franklin Just Made Me Cry 17 August 2018 by Britt Stephens First Published: 16 August 2018 Image Source: Getty / Kevin.Mazur/INACTIVE Aretha Franklin's death has elicited heartfelt messages and tributes from celebrities, and Mariah Carey's tearjerking social media statement is sure to make you emotional. I know this firsthand, because I began tearing up while reading it myself. For those unfamiliar, Mariah has always been vocal about her love and admiration for the Queen of Soul, whose legendary music career also influenced her own. The two hit the stage together for a now-infamous VH1 Divas Live duet in 1998 — crooning Aretha's hit "Chain of Fools" after only having rehearsed in her trailer hours earlier — and even became close friends. After the news of Aretha's passing broke on Thursday, Mariah shared her emotions in a series of tweets. "You were my inspiration, my mentor and my friend," she wrote. "You showed me I could sing the songs I wanted to sing and bring God with me." Mariah went on to praise Aretha's "indelible impact" and "bigger than life personality, wit and humour." Keep reading to see Mariah's sweet tribute messages, then watch her performance with Aretha to get even deeper in your feelings today. Related: A Look Back at Aretha Franklin's Soulful 76 Years of Life — in Pictures Aretha Franklin. The Queen of Soul. The Icon. The ultimate singers' singer. The greatest singer and musician of my lifetime. The power of your voice in music and in civil rights blew open the door for me and so many others. You were my inspiration, my mentor and my friend. pic.twitter.com/YDQL2zzgdM— Mariah Carey (@MariahCarey) August 16, 2018 1 / 6 You showed me I could sing the songs I wanted to sing and bring God with me. You've inspired millions everywhere yet never left home, never left church. Today the entire world mourns your home-going and celebrates all the brilliance you left behind. pic.twitter.com/Ek0yHdXcRF— Mariah Carey (@MariahCarey) August 16, 2018 2 / 6 I will forever cherish the moments I spent in your presence. Your indelible impact was earned not only by your incomparable voice but by your bigger than life personality, wit and humor. I say a BIG prayer for you. You will forever have all our RESPECT. Love, Mariah ♥️ pic.twitter.com/97qk0J64rO— Mariah Carey (@MariahCarey) August 16, 2018 3 / 6 4 / 6 Image Source: Getty / Kevin.Mazur/INACTIVE 5 / 6 Image Source: Getty / Kevin.Mazur/INACTIVE 6 / 6 Celebrity DeathsCelebrity TwitterAretha FranklinMariah Carey