Singer “Gravely Ill”
Family and friends have rushed to Detroit to gather around legendary singer Aretha Franklin, who is reportedly “gravely ill” and asking for prayers at this time. News of Franklin’s condition broke late last night when Showbiz 411 first reported on it, with Detroit news anchor Evrod Cassimy revealing this morning that members of the singer’s family reached out today to confirm the news.
BREAKING NEWS: I am so saddened to report that the Queen of Soul and my good friend, Aretha Franklin is gravely ill. I spoke with her family members this morning. She is asking for your prayers at this time. I’ll have more details as I’m allowed to release.
— Evrod Cassimy (@EvrodCassimy) August 13, 2018
“BREAKING NEWS: I am so saddened to report that the Queen of Soul and my good friend, Aretha Franklin is gravely ill. I spoke with her family members this morning. She is asking for your prayers at this time. I’ll have more details as I’m allowed to release,” promised Cassimy in his early morning tweet.
Radio host Tom Joyner echoed Cassimy’s statement on his radio show this morning, adding that Franklin, 76, has been in hospice care for the past week. While reps for Franklin have yet to comment on the singer’s condition, it’s being said that she’s been battling cancer in recent months with doctor’s orders forcing her to cancel appearances at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in April and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center on March 25th, her 76th birthday.
Fans and friends of the 76-year-old icon took to social media this morning to offer up prayers and well wishes, sharing their favorite songs and memories of Aretha Franklin throughout the years.
https://twitter.com/blackmon/status/1029016729782038528
Give a thought to Aretha Franklin, the first female artist to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Queen, y'all. pic.twitter.com/S82cBmoNyy
— Eric Alper 🎧 (@ThatEricAlper) August 13, 2018
Praying for the Queen of Soul 🙏🙏 #ArethaFranklin pic.twitter.com/5cfNPrQrq3
— Mariah Carey (@MariahCarey) August 13, 2018
Aretha Franklin is literally walking history. This is the same woman that song at both MLK's memorial service and Obama's inauguration
— Jasemine Leshaun (@JasemineLeshaun) August 13, 2018
Many of you are asking me to confirm the health status of @ArethaFranklin. Folks, I’ve known for several months. The Queen is surrounded by loved ones. That’s all I will say for now. Please keep her, the family and her longtime support staff in your prayers. pic.twitter.com/F6nMjHQjlP
— rolandsmartin (@rolandsmartin) August 13, 2018
https://twitter.com/TomHall/status/1029042559023112193
Franklin began her musical journey singing gospel music in her father’s Baptist church before embarking on a solo career in secular music in 1960 at the age of 18 and hasn’t looked back, dominating the charts throughout the 60s with hits like “Think,” “Respect,” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” and earning the title of ‘The Queen Of Soul’ by the end of the decade; she wasn’t even 30.
As if 6 decades, 18 Grammy Awards, and 75 million records sold worldwide weren’t enough, in 1987 she became the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the honor performed by Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards.
No further information regarding Ms. Franklin’s condition is available at this time, but our hearts and prayers are with her and her loved ones at this time as they ask for prayers and privacy during this difficult time. This is a developing story, so be sure to stay tuned for more updates as they become available.