Sadly, she lost her battle to leukemia on Friday (January 20), and Etta James' famous friends are speaking out and paying their respects online .

Beyoncé, who portrayed James in the movie “Cadillac Records,” wrote on her website, “This is a huge loss. Etta James was one of the greatest vocalists of our time. I am so fortunate to have met such a queen. Her musical contributions will last a lifetime. Playing Etta James taught me so much about myself, and singing her music inspired me to be a stronger artist. When she effortlessly opened her mouth, you could hear her pain and triumph. Her deeply emotional way of delivering a song told her story with no filter. She was fearless, and had guts. She will be missed.”

Meanwhile, Mariah Carey offered up these words via Twitter, “Rest in peace to one of the world’s most influential singers Etta James, you will be missed.”

Jessica Alba called Etta “a legend” and one of her “all-time favorite” singers and wrote, “Thank you for giving us the gift of song. What a voice!”

Other celebrities who expressed their condolences through Twitter include Rihanna, Adam Lambert, Will.i.am, Kelly Rowland and Gabrielle Union, among so many others.