RIP

It's no surprise ... there has been a cascade of grief, sympathy and tributes from celebrities around the world in the wake of Aretha Franklin's passing.

Mary Wilson -- founding member of the Supremes -- tells TMZ, "When God created Soul, he created Aretha Franklin to sing it!"

Gladys Knight wrote Aretha a note, which states, "Well my sister our Father in Heaven has called you home, but we are so very grateful to him for blessing you with such an awesome gift to share with us. Your music set a standard for every single lady in this industry to rise to. You have touched minds, hearts and spirits, including my own."

She continues, "Yes, we are sisters and we squabbled as sisters do, but we also loved, supported and laughed together through our lifetime. I pray you have a smooth journey Ree Ree and hopefully I'll get to sing with you in the Heavenly choir, if I make it. Love you, Gladys"

And the tributes go on:

Salute to the Queen. The greatest vocalist I've ever known. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 #Aretha

Ronnie McNeir, a member of The Four Tops, knew Aretha Franklin well, and says long, long ago he became mesmerized by her amazing voice.

Ronnie says he wrote a song for Aretha -- "Sister Ree" -- and sang it for her last Christmas. He sings part of the song in this clip, with the words ...

Sister Rer
Greatest in this Century

Ronnie says Aretha loved the song so much ... she said she wanted it included in her upcoming biopic. BTW, Aretha will be played by Jennifer Hudson.

Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, died on the same day as Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, 41 years later ... and it's both weird and fitting.

Aretha's passing fell on Elvis' 41st death anniversary -- August 16, 1977 -- albeit under extremely different circumstances.

As we reported ... Aretha died in her Detroit home after being placed in hospice care earlier in the week. She'd been suffering from advanced pancreatic cancer, and had been gravely ill in the days leading up to her death. The singer was 76 years old.

As for Elvis, he died of a heart attack. He was found unresponsive on the bathroom floor of his Graceland home in Memphis, TN.

The two singers proved to be American icons and international fixtures in pop culture. In honor of their passings ... RIP to the Queen and King.

The Detroit Lions are remembering the city's greatest singer -- sending their "deepest condolences to the family and friends of Aretha Franklin."

The Lions tweeted out, "Aretha was a groundbreaker and an icon whose legacy will live on forever."

Aretha famously busted out a FOUR-AND-A-HALF MINUTE rendition of the Star Spangled Banner at a Lions game on Thanksgiving 2016 ... one of the greatest National Anthem performances ever.

Former Detroit Pistons star Isiah Thomas also showed Aretha some love -- tweeting, "Rest In Peace dear friend, I will remember your wisdom, laughter and music you gave us. #aintnoway #natuaralwoman #sayalittleprayerforyou."

The Detroit Tigers honored Aretha by posting a tribute on their video board ... with the message "Forever our queen."

ESPN's Jemele Hill -- who's from Detroit -- also weighed in ... saying, "Rest in power, Aretha. You were not only the Queen of Soul, but a warrior, a survivor, an icon, and a protector. You are Detroit’s heartbeat. Rest well, Queen."

Hill added, "Aretha was Detroit’s sister, auntie, momma, Queen and homegirl — all in one career. There are few people that defend, honor and protect someone the way we did Aretha. You can talk about our economy, and our crime, but say something about Re-Re, and you’ll get dealt with. Quick."

Travis Scott's surprise cash handout isn't just a fun thing for his fans ... it's touching lives and helping people in need too.

Case in point ... Peter Valdriz, who replied to Travis' $100k Twitter giveaway announcement Tuesday -- in which fans were encouraged to tweet their Cash App tag with lyrics from "Astroworld" for a chance to get money. Peter pleaded his case by saying the dough would help with his mom's funeral cost.

Minutes later ... the rapper sent him $800 with a personal message saying he hopes it helps.

Peter tells TMZ ... his mother passed away last week after a battle with a brain virus and complications that followed. He says the gift from Travis came on what would have been her 52nd birthday and will go toward the expenses for her funeral next week.

He tells us Scott's donation really means a lot to him and his entire family, saying ... "Knowing that someone is out there trying to help us during this difficult time means the world to us."

He adds ... "I personally want to thank Travis Scott for really making a tough day for my family into a day we can cherish."

There's more -- Peter tells us Travis' gift has inspired other "generous and kindhearted" strangers to chip in to help with his mom's funeral as well.

LB Bonner called 911 before he shot himself, but the operator couldn't help him out because she couldn't hear him ... according to the audio.

The former "My 600-lb Life" star can be heard trying to give his location on the call -- obtained by TMZ -- but hangs up after the dispatcher explains she's having difficulty understanding him. She then tries to call him back ... but it goes straight to voicemail.

L.B.'s mother also called 911, saying he'd been posting threats about hurting himself online and she's afraid he's going to "do something stupid." According to his mom ... L.B. reached out to many people -- including producers of the show -- about his suicidal thoughts, but then nobody could reach him.

We broke the story ... Bonner's death was ruled a suicide by the coroner, from a self-inflicted single gunshot wound to the head.

Bonner appeared in last season's "My 600-lb Life" ... which documented his journey as he dropped more than 300 pounds.

Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart's wife told emergency personnel the ex-WWE superstar collapsed while appearing to have a seizure early Monday morning ... and slammed his head when he fell to the ground.

Elizabeth Neidhart told investigators Jim was having difficulty sleeping and got out of bed to change the thermostat. But, when Jim went to touch it, he "turned weirdly as if he were about to dance."

"He then fell towards the wall and ground," the investigation report says.

Elizabeth called 911 thinking he was having a seizure since he "suffers from seizures and takes medication for it."

Neidhart's wife says Jim's last seizure was Dec. 2017 -- and she notes doctors also believed he may have had Alzheimer's as well.

When officials arrived to Jim's home -- they found the 63-year-old on the floor with a 4-inch gash on his face.

Investigators found medication at the home, but note "none of the medication appeared to have been abused."

10:07 AM PT -- Bethenny just posted a photo of Dennis lying beside her dog, Cookie, with a farewell message to both, saying ... "Rest In Peace my sweet babies who gave me endless unconditional love." Cookie died late last year after suffering a major seizure.

Bethenny Frankel was extremely emotional Monday during a final goodbye to her boyfriend, who died Friday of an overdose.

Dennis Shields was found dead in his apartment in Trump Tower from an apparent oxycodone OD. Law enforcement sources told us Dennis took an unknown quantity of oxy Thursday night which he had prescribed to him. He woke up Friday feeling ill and asked his housekeeper to go to the pharmacy and buy Narcan -- which counters the effects of opioids. When the housekeeper returned home, Dennis was beyond help.

9:05 AM PT -- The Pasco Sheriff's Office tells TMZ Sports ... "Preliminary information indicates that [Neidhart] fell at home, hit his head, and succumbed to his injury."

"No foul play suspected. No additional information to release at this time."

Wrestling legend Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart has died, according to the WWE. He was 63.

Neidhart passed away early Monday morning after suffering a medical emergency at a home in Florida.

According to the emergency dispatch audio, emergency personnel were called around 6:30 AM about a man having seizures and convulsions.

At one point, the dispatch operator says, "They think he might be Signal 7" -- which is code for a dead person.

Jim was a WWF superstar in the mid-'80s and early '90s as a member of The Hart Foundation tag team with Bret "The Hitman" Hart ... managed by Jimmy Hart.

During his legendary career, Jim was a 2-time Tag Team champion -- defeating everyone from the Legion of Doom to the Nasty Boys to The Rockers.

Neidhart also wrestled with WCW and TNA Wrestling. He last wrestled in WWE back in 2007, but has made appearances on "Total Divas."

Before he became a pro wrestler, Neidhart pursued a career in pro football -- with brief stints with the Oakland Raiders and Dallas Cowboys.

Neidhart struggled with substance abuse -- he went to rehab twice after drug-related arrests.

Neidhart is survived by his wife, Ellie, and 3 daughters including Natalie -- aka WWE superstar Natalya.

R.I.P.

Smash from Demolition tweeted about Neidhart, saying, "It is terrible I just heard Jim Neidhart passed away. I just pray for his family to get through this.Jim was a great friend and I will really miss him."

Charlotte Rae died after going into cardiac arrest ... and she was also battling salivary gland cancer ... TMZ has learned.

According to the "Diff'rent Strokes" and 'Facts of Life' star's death certificate, Rae's immediate cause of death is listed as cardiopulmonary arrest, while metabolic acidosis -- an abnormal acid buildup -- and carcinoma of the right parotid gland were contributing factors.

In line with her announcement she had been diagnosed with bone cancer last year, the death certificate, obtained by TMZ, does not include any other significant conditions.

As we reported ... Rae passed away last Sunday in her L.A.-area home. She played the beloved character Mrs. Garrett on "Diff'rent Strokes" before starring in the spin-off, "The Facts of Life."

Charlotte was 92. RIP

Bret Hart says he's "stunned and saddened" by the death of his former tag team partner and brother-in-law, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart ... saying, "I just don't have the words right now."

Hart also posted a photo of his old friend with their tag team wrestling championship belts.

Bret and Jim started The Hart Foundation tag team group in 1985 -- and are widely considered one of the best tag teams of all time.

Ric Flair also posted a tribute -- saying, "My Good Friend Jim Neidhart, A World Class Athlete And A Man Among Men. Rest In Peace."

Brutus "The Barber" Beefcake added, "Devastating news Jim Neidhart my friend has passed away!! I can hardly believe it. Rest In Peace Brother until we meet again!!!"

The Iron Sheik wrote, "ONE OF MY OLDEST FRIENDS IN THE BUSINESS JIM NEIDHART. WE TRAVEL TOGETHER I LOVE HIM FOREVER LIKE A BROTHER. GOD BLESS FAMILY I NEVER FORGET YOU BUBBA."

Sgt. Slaughter said ... "Saddened To Hear Jim Neidhart Has Passed. My Prayers Are With His Families. Guess God Needed An “Anvil” Angel RIP Jim."

People all over the world felt a special connection to Anthony Bourdain ... and now's your chance to live like the beloved chef and TV host.

Bourdain's New York City apartment is available for rent. His 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo is listed for $14,200 per month. It's located at the Time Warner Center on Columbus Circle.

The pad features views of the Hudson River and New York City skyline. It's decked out with hardwood floors and floor-to-ceiling windows.

Food was Bourdain's passion and claim to fame ... and the 'Parts Unknown' host's condo has a full kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances ... decked out with white marble countertops.

The building's a short walk from plenty of good eats. There's also a health club, spa, screening room, sundeck, concierge service and residents' lounge.

As you know ... Bourdain died 2 months ago in France from an apparent suicide.

He was 61.

Tab Hunter -- the 1950s heartthrob actor -- died after his heart gave out but, according to his death certificate, he was also battling a debilitating disease ... prostate cancer.

According to the doc -- obtained by TMZ -- Tab died from cardiogenic shock ... which is when the blood suddenly can't pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. Another contributing factor to his death was a massive pulmonary embolism. The doc also says he had prostate cancer.

As we reported ... the actor known for his surfer-boy looks and roles in "Damn Yankees" and "The Burning Hills" died last month -- 3 days shy of his birthday -- at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.

Tab always felt he would have been blackballed from Hollywood if people had discovered he was gay, so he later revealed in his memoirs that he had studio setup relationships with women.

Tab was 86.

Bethenny Frankel's boyfriend started the binge that killed him Thursday night and realized he was in trouble ... TMZ has learned.

Dennis Shields was found dead Friday in Trump Tower from an apparent oxycodone OD. Law enforcement sources tell TMZ, Dennis took an unknown quantity of oxycodone Rx pills Thursday night. He woke up Friday AM feeling ill and asked his housekeeper to go to the pharmacy to buy Narcan, which blocks the effects of an opioid overdose.

It's unclear when Dennis fell into a state of unconsciousness, but at some point the maid realized he was unresponsive and called 911. As we reported, the maid administered the Narcan but he remained unresponsive.

EMTs rushed to Trump Tower but it was too late.

Bethenny Frankel's on-again, off-again boyfriend, Dennis Shields, was found dead Friday of a suspected overdose ... TMZ has learned.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ they got a call just after 9 AM for an unresponsive male. Upon arriving at Shields' Trump Tower apartment, they learned his assistant had administered Narcan but was unsuccessful in reviving him.

Our sources say they believe Shields OD'd on oxycodone ... but an autopsy is pending.

Frankel and Shields met nearly 30 years ago but didn't start dating until 2016. The relationship had many splits and makeups.

The New York Post first reported the death.

Rapper Nate Dogg continues to earn money 7 years after his death and those funds are now being passed on to his close family.

It appears funds keep coming in from Nate Dogg's music and other ventures and, as it accumulates, it gets distributed.

According to new docs, obtained by TMZ, the money totals $225,000 in cash and here is how it's being divided.

His widow, LaToya Calvin, is getting $30,000.

His son, Naijiel Dwoyne Hale, is getting $11,666.

Nate Dogg has 7 other family members who are getting $8,333 each.

When he died back in 2011, he left no will and had around $200k in real estate. It appears the $225k is from his music catalog.

The rapper was 41 when he died in Long Beach, CA.