URBAN ONE FOUNDER AND CHAIRPERSON CATHY HUGHES HONORS AND REMEMBERS THE LEGACY OF HER FRIEND, ARETHA FRANKLIN

Founder and Chairperson of Urban One, Inc., Cathy Hughes, a radio legend and close friend to Aretha Franklin who worked with and interviewed Franklin many times over the years, issued a statement of her sincerest condolences to Franklin's family, friends and colleagues upon receiving news of Franklin's passing.  Below are excerpts from Hughes' statement, click here to view in it's entirety.

(From Left to Right) Media maven, Cathy Hughes and the "Queen Of Soul" Aretha Franklin during the taping of TV One On One. (Courtesy of TV One) "Today I join my community, my industry and the world in mourning the loss and celebrating the life of my dear sister, friend, and ally, Aretha Franklin. I send my love and offer prayers of grace and peace to the members of her family, her friends and colleagues who walked alongside her and shared her with tens of millions of fans around the world. I have so many fond memories of Aretha. Throughout her career, I was blessed to share her music and her iconic story. I am humbled to have been a part of her journey and to have served as an eyewitness to the evolution of her artistry and the formation of her legacy.  Like many of our musicians, Aretha's musical roots are embedded in the black church, and gospel music was at her core. Her talent transcended genres and not only earned her the title of the "Queen of Soul" but also the distinction of being the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. And while many will remember her for all of the titles she has received, I believe, Aretha Franklin, in her own words, said it best,'being a singer is a natural gift. It means I'm using to the highest degree possible the gift that God gave me to use. I'm happy with that.'  And Aretha Franklin, so are we. Rest in peace my sister." JOIN US AS WE HONOR THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF THE MUSICAL ICON AND QUEEN OF SOUL: ARETHA FRANKLIN 'Queen Of Soul' Aretha Franklin Passes Away at 76 SPECIAL PROGRAMMING CLIPS FROM TV ONE ON ONE WITH CATHY HUGHES: ARETHA FRANKLIN Editor's Note: Footage usage rules apply to broadcast and posting of this footage beyond editorial or news gathering purposes. Please credit TV One as the source for use in any news stories, and contact TV One PR for instructions on licensing any footage used for purposes other than editorial coverage of the news. TV One continues its commitment to honoring the legacy of notable African Americans. The network will honor the musical genius by sharing top responses from social media on its website (www.tvone.tv). TV One viewers can join the conversation by connecting via social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (@tvonetv) using #RIPARETHAFRANKLIN and #REPRESENT