Elton John is one of the many friends and artists remembering Aretha Franklin, “The Queen of Soul,” following her death on August 16.

“The loss of @ArethaFranklin is a blow for everybody who loves real music: Music from the heart, the soul and the Church,” wrote John on Twitter. “Her voice was unique, her piano paying underrated—she was one of my favourite pianists.”

Franklin’s last public performance, which can be viewed above, was for a benefit for the Elton John AIDS Foundation in November 2017. She performed her hit song “I Say a Little Prayer” at the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine in New York City.

According to John, Franklin’s health was failing and he didn’t know whether she’d be able to perform. But, he says, “Aretha did and she raised the roof.”

“She sang and played magnificently, and we all wept,” John said. “We were witnessing the greatest soul artist of all time. I adored her and worshipped her talent. God bless her. My condolences to all her family and friends.”

He also noted that he and Franklin shared a birthday (March 25). But the artists’ connection went beyond that. John appeared on Franklin’s 1989 album Through the Storm on a track of the same name.

“The whole world will miss her but will always rejoice in her remarkable legacy,” John wrote. “The Queen is dead. Long live the Queen. #RIPArethaFranklin.”

Click here to visit our sister publication Real Health for more details about Franklin’s death.