During Beyoncé and Jay-Z's Detroit stop off on their On the Run II Tour, the 'Crazy in Love' singer honoured soul legend Aretha Franklin.

According to Detroit Free Press, Beyoncé dedicated her show to Franklin, telling audiences she loved her, thanking her for "the beautiful music."

Detroit Free Press said the statement drew a massive roar from the Queen of Soul's hometown crowd, as did Beyonce's support act DJ Khaled when he played Franklin's hit song "Respect."

The show took place at Detroit's Ford Field which is just around the corner from Aretha Franklin Way, the Detroit street ceremonially named after the singer last summer.

Franklin has been fighting a long battle with cancer. Her family has gathered around her bedside to give their goodbyes, appealing for privacy and prayers from the public.

The 76 year old made her last performance at the Elton John AIDS Foundation party in November. She was said to have been "fighting exhaustion and dehydration”.

The singer is best known for her hits such as "Respect", "Think", and "You Make Me Feel (Like A Natural Woman)".

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