Several sources are reporting this morning that Aretha Franklin is ?gravely ill? and surrounded by her friends and family in Detroit.
The legendary songstress has been battling cancer for some time now and this new report seems to indicate that she’s not doing very well.
Details below…
According to TMZ, one of Franklin’s ‘very close friends’ revealed that the singer is seriously ill and likely on her death bed.
A source very close to Aretha and a longtime dear friend tells TMZ he was told a week ago, “Prepare yourself, she’s dying.”
The source adds Aretha was down to 86 pounds and her health was failing. The source says 2 weeks ago everyone in Aretha’s circle was told “she could go any time.”
Franklin, 76, has been in poor health over the last few years and began canceling appearances last year.
The “Respect” singer was forced to cancel a series of concerts last summer on ?doctor?s orders.? In March, she announced she would not be at New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival because her doctor recommended she take a break from touring.
Her most recent performance was last November at an Elton John AIDS Foundation event in New York.
News that her health was failing first came from Roger Friedman over at Showbiz411, and WDIV TV in Detroit, who said that Aretha’s family confirmed she is gravely ill.
Several celebs have also begun sending well wishes online. Mariah Carey and Missy Elliott were amongst several who responded to the news.
Praying for the Queen of Soul 🙏🙏 #ArethaFranklin pic.twitter.com/5cfNPrQrq3
— Mariah Carey (@MariahCarey) August 13, 2018
My prayers are with Aretha Franklin & her family during this difficult time 🙏🏾 LOOK BELOW @ what I tweeted at the top of the year we MUST CELEBRATE the Living Legends while they are here to see it. So many have given us decades of Timeless music…❤️ https://t.co/VVacLxcMSI
— Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) August 13, 2018
Franklin’s friend, journalist Roland Martin, tweeted a photo of her at her birthday party in 2016 along with a message to followers seemingly confirming the singer’s condition.
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