Today, the 2019 winners of the prestigious Pulitzer Prize were announced in the umbrella categories of Journalism and Letters, Drama and Music, along with two special award citations, one of which went to late legendary vocalist Aretha Franklin.

In her announcement speech for this year’s winners, Pulitzer Administrator Dana Canedy notes that Franklin was chosen for the honor “for her indelible contribution to American music and culture for more than five decades.” Watch the announcement below.

Franklin, who passed away in August of last year at the age of 76, became one of the most iconic voices in the history of American music over her extensive career, winning 18 Grammy awards and claiming 17 top-ten singles. In 1987, Franklin became the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.