President Barack Obama honors the late Frankie Knuckles in a letter to the Godfather of House's friends and family

Following the death of Frankie Knuckles, the revered "Godfather of House" who passed away three weeks ago from complications with diabetes, a letter has surfaced from President Barack Obama that pays tribute to the late Chicago DJ/producer and offers support to his friends and family.

As Billboard notes, the letter, dated April 17, calls Knuckles "a trailblazer in the field" whose work "helped open minds and bring people together." It is signed by both the President and First Lady Michelle Obama.

Back in 2004, Obama (who was then an Illinois senator) declared August 25 as Frankie Knuckles Day in Chicago and named a street after the DJ.

Read the full letter below: