Aretha Franklin is gravely ill, according to several reports.
A person close to Franklin told The Associated Press on Monday (Aug. 13) that the 76-year-old icon is “seriously ill.”
In March, the Queen of Soul canceled planned concerts after she was ordered by her doctor to stay off the road and rest. Last year, she announced retirement plans, saying she would perform at “some select things.”
Other reporters have corroborated the reports. Entertainment reporter Roger Friedman of Showbiz 411 said that she “is gravely ill in Detroit. The family is asking for prayers and privacy.” NBC Philadelphia investigative reporter Harry Hairston, who has known Franklin since 1988, tweeted that the “iconic singer not doing well.”
Evrod Cassimy, the morning anchor of Detroit station WDIV and a close friend of Franklin’s, also tweeted the unfortunate news.
“I am so saddened to report that the Queen of Soul and my good friend, Aretha Franklin is gravely ill,” said Cassimy. “I spoke with her family members this morning. She is asking for your prayers at this time.”
He also spoke to Franklin herself, who is “resting and surrounded by close friends and family.”
Friends and fans of the legendary singer, who has won 18 Grammys and was the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, flooded Twitter with prayers and messages of support.