NEW YORK CITY - MAY 19: Donald Trump and Aretha Franklin attend Trump International Hotel and Tower Grand Opening on May 19, 1997 in New York City. (Photo by Ron Galella/WireImage)
Aretha and Trump were friends before his presidency (Photo by Ron Galella/WireImage)

Aretha Franklin made her feelings on President Donald Trump crystal clear behind closed doors.

The Respect singer, who died on Thursday after a battle with pancreatic cancer, was reportedly invited to perform at Trumps inauguration ceremony in January 2016 but declined the offer as she didnt agree with his political agenda.

According to the Daily Beast, Aretha told friends privately that no amount of money could have persuaded her to perform at the inauguration.

NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 24: (L to R) Unknown man, Aretha Franklin, Donald Trump, Clive Davis, and Marla Maples attending an Arista Records Grammy Party on February 24, 1992 (Photo by Waring Abbott/Getty Images)
Aretha performed several private concerts for Trump (Photo by Waring Abbott/Getty Images)

Another source told the website that Aretha despised everything Trump stood for and placed her support in his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, during the presidential race.

Weeks before Trump was sworn into the White House, The Hill asked Aretha if she would provide the soundtrack, to which she replied: Thats a good question. Thats a very good question. Well see.

Aretha Franklin reported by CNN is in Hospice Care. The soul singer has been dogged by reports of failing health for years and appeared frail in recent photos, but she has kept her struggles private. 'Archive' from her performance at the Blacks' Annual Gala at Fontainebleau Miami Beach on October 25, 2014 in Miami Beach, Fla. Blacks' Annual Gala at Fontainebleau Miami Beach Pictured: Aretha Frankin Ref: SPL5015991 140818 NON-EXCLUSIVE Picture by: Michele Eve/Splash / SplashNews.com Splash News and Pictures Los Angeles: 310-821-2666 New York: 212-619-2666 London: 0207 644 7656 Milan: +39 02 4399 8577 Sydney: +61 02 9240 7700 photodesk@splashnews.com World Rights,
Aretha lost her battle with pancreatic cancer (Picture: Michele Eve/Splash / SplashNews.com)

Trump, 71, and Aretha, who was 76 at the time of her death, did have a friendship before his political ambition.

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The Queen of Soul performed at several of his venues over the years, including the opening of Trump International Hotel & Tower in 1997. Aretha also performed a private concert near the iconic New York City hotel shortly after.

In 2012, Trump tweeted a birthday tribute to the revered singer, writing: Happy Birthday to my legendary friend Aretha Franklin.

More: Donald Trump

Aretha never publicly denounced Trump although she is known to have been a staunch democrat, heavily supporting former US President Barack Obama. Unlike Trumps, the Say A Little Prayer hitmaker did perform at Obamas inauguration in January 2009 after he was elected.

Reacting to Arethas death, Trump tweeted: The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, is dead. She was a great woman, with a wonderful gift from God, her voice. She will be missed!

Aretha is set to be laid to rest on 31 August in Detroit.

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