MTV will celebrate soul legend Aretha
Franklin at Monday's Video Music Awards ceremony, the network
said on Thursday as tributes flowed in from around the world and
U.S. television channels scheduled special broadcasts.
The annual awards show celebrating top performers in a
variety of musical genres will be broadcast live on MTV from
Radio City Music Hall in New York.
The VMAs "will honor Aretha Franklin and pay tribute to her
monumental legacy," an MTV spokesperson said.
Franklin, the winner of 18 Grammys known worldwide as the
"Queen of Soul," died on Thursday at the age of 76, her family
said.
MTV did not provide any details on how it would honor the
singer. Previously scheduled VMAs performers include Nicki
Minaj, Ariana Grande and Jennifer Lopez.
Franklin had been nominated for VMAs for 1986 video "Freeway
of Love" and 1987's "Jumpin' Jack Flash."
Other television networks also planned programming on
Franklin's life and music.
The ABC broadcast channel said it would air a special
edition of "20/20" on Thursday that includes never-before-seen
footage of Franklin on tour.
Oprah Winfrey's OWN network announced it would re-air on
Saturday a 1999 interview from " The Oprah Winfrey Show" in which
Franklin talked about her life, performed hits, including
"Respect," and shared her favorite recipe.