Al Sharpton just read a letter from former President Barack Obama, who described Aretha Franklin as an inspiration to all people "who may have just needed a little love.""In the example she set both as an artist and a citizen, Aretha embodied those most revered virtues of forgiveness and reconciliation," Obama wrote.

Read Obama's letter:
"Dear friends and family of Aretha, Michelle and I extend our heartfelt sympathies to all of those who gathered in Detroit, and we join you in remembering and celebrating the life of the queen of soul. 

From a young age, Aretha Franklin rocked the world of anyone who had the pleasure of hearing her voice, whether bringing people together through thrilling intersections of genres or advancing important causes through the power of song, Aretha's work reflected the very best of the American story.

 In all of its hope and heart, its boldness and its unmistakable beauty. In the example she set both as an artist and a citizen, Aretha embodied those most revered virtues of forgiveness and reconciliation. While the music she made captured some of our deepest human desires, namely affection and respect, and through her voice, her own voice, Aretha lifted those of millions, empowering and inspiring the vulnerable, the downtrodden, and everyone who may have just needed a little love. 

Aretha truly was one of a kind, and as you pay tribute, know we'll be saying a little prayer for you scene we'll be thinking of all of Aretha's loved ones in the days and weeks to come.