Shonka Dukureh has died aged 44.
Dukureh was found dead on Thursday in a bedroom at her home in Nashville, which she shared with her two young children, the Metro Nashville Police Department said.
It comes less than a month after the release of the Elvis Presley film, which she starred in.
One of the children found her unresponsive and went to the apartment of a neighbour, who called 911.
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Police added that there were no signs of foul play.
Dukereh went viral after portraying Big Mama Thornton in the film - with her performance of Hound Dog getting plaudits around the world.
Elvis director Baz Luhrmann led the tributes, posting: "A special light went out today and all of the Elvis movie family are heartbroken by the loss of Shonka Dukureh,"
"From the moment she came into our world, Shonka brought joy, spirit and of course her voice and her music.
"Shonka was just starting to find a larger audience for her tremendous talent, and I got to see her uplift whole crowds of people at Coachella and beyond
"A favorite word of Shonka’s, in daily use, was “blessings,” and I, along with the entire Elvis cast, crew and musical collaborators, feel truly blessed to have had time with her. We send all our love and support to Shonka’s children and family at this time."
Dukureh's followers flooded to her social media channels to pay their condolences, with one commenting: "I can’t believe it My condolences and prayers to her family.
While another wrote: "Rest In Peace."
A third commented: "Rest Easy, queen."
"Lord Jesus I really cannot believe you're gone. What a GIFT you have been to the Body. To us all," another wrote.
One remarked: "She was so good in the movie too."
Another commented: "Love you cuz I thank God you was able to leave a legacy for your babies.... You did it."
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