The veteran music representative passed away on 30 September (15) at her home in Scottsdale, Arizona, and soul legend Franklin, one of her celebrity clients, has released a statement to honour the 65 year old.

She writes, "I look back with fondness and respect on the time we spent together. She got me to and from my appointments and interviews with a great sense of humor."

Ghostbusters singer Ray Parker, Jr. also shared his condolences in a separate statement, and added, "She gave me my entire career. She was the only publicist I ever had. My career was based on her."

Shelley, who also counted late musician Stevie Ray Vaughan among her clients, began her career at Clive Davis' Arista Records in 1978, and eventually became the label's national publicity director.

She also held positions as the head of the publicity departments at Casablanca Records and Rhino Entertainment before starting her own Los Angeles-based firm.