People: Aretha Franklin's longtime makeup artist shares private photo of legendary singer

On Thursday, the world lost one of its singing legends the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. She died from advanced pancreatic cancer of the neuroendocrine type.

Her passing has brought out loving messages from friends, family, fans, and the music community. Now, her longtime fashion and beauty stylist has shared private images and memories of the star.

According to Aretha Franklin’s longtime makeup artist, Robin Manoogian, the late star was drawn to bold style and beauty looks. Manoogian worked with Franklin for from 1994 to 2004.

She met the star by chance at a 1994 event where she was working for the local ABC affiliate WXYZ TV in Detroit. There she was on-hand to do makeup at an auto show charity event where Franklin was performing.

For more on this story go to our Twitter account @amomama_usa. Before Manoogian was even finished doing Franklin’s makeup, the singer asked her if she was free to do work on her for the upcoming Grammy Awards.

That culminated in Manoogian working with the singer for the 10 years. She was there for every major event that Franklin performed at.

This included events at the White House, "Saturday Night Live", and "The Oprah Winfrey Show." Manoogian described the legend’s sense of style as quirky and that “She would dance to her own tune.”

“When she performed at the Grammy in the ’90s, it was the grunge movement, all neutrals, matte, brown, taupe makeup,” but Franklin had her own ideas. “I took about 10 cabs to every costume store in the city because she wanted glitter. On her face, on her lips… She wanted color and glitter,” the makeup artist recalled.

She shared that the star was also quite gracious and would treat her in a special way, making sure she was on the same floor as her in five-star hotels. After every performance, Franklin would also invite Manoogian to the afterparty or dinner.

The makeup artist also recalled how the singer, who was well respected by the likes of Bill Clinton, always had music as her main priority.

“She took it very seriously. And the joy of just watching her sit at the piano, she was in her glory. I think when she went to the piano that was her solace,” Manoogian shared.

The makeup artist, who owns her own salon, is grateful for everything Franklin gave her.

“It exceeded my own career dreams,” she stated. She added, “I don’t know how I was lucky enough.”