Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin is “seriously ill”
Legendary singer Aretha Franklin is “seriously ill” and receiving hospice care in Detroit, Michigan, according to US media.
“Aretha is surrounded by family and people close to her” in Detroit and “the family is asking for prayers and privacy”, reports Showbiz 411.
The US Today show reporter Charles Croucher also shared an update on the singer’s health.
"We know she's battled cancer since 2010 and struggled with health on numerous occasions recently. But it seems like things are in a bad state for the Queen of Soul. She is loved around the world... 18 Grammys and the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She performed on stage and on the big screen in movies as well, but it's that voice and that power that people remember so fondly," he said.
The 76-year-old cancelled concerts earlier this year due to health concerns. She last performed at an event for Elton John's AIDS foundation in November 2017.
“Aretha Franklin has been ordered by her doctor to stay off the road and rest completely for at least the next two months,” her management said in a statement in March.
Last year, the Queen of Soul said she was planning to retire from touring following the release of her new album. At the time, she said she wanted to spend more time with her grandchildren.
Showbiz 411 claims Franklin is battling cancer after being diagnosed in 2010.
However, Franklin has previously denied that she has cancer.
The 18-time Grammy winner did confirm that she underwent surgery for an unspecified health scare in 2010.
“He (the doctor) said, ‘The surgery that you just had is going to add 15 to 20 more years to your life’,” Franklin told Access Hollywood.
Franklin is widely considered one of the greatest vocalists of all time and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.
Some of music’s biggest stars, including Mariah Carey and Missy Elliott, tweeted their love and support to Franklin.