Multiple sources have reported that Aretha Franklin, “The Queen Of Soul,” is in grave condition.
Evrod Cassimy, a close personal friend, shared the sad news on Twitter earlier today,
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
Roger Friedman wrote late yesterday, “Aretha is surrounded by family and people close to her. She will be so missed as a mother, sister, friend, cousin. But her legacy is larger than life.”
In early 2017, Franklin said she was planning to retire, but would continue to perform at “some select things.”
The 76-year-old cultural icon was forced to cancel two concerts in March of this year. Her final professional performance at the Philadelphia Mann Center in August, 2017. During a Detroit performance in June of last year, Franklin left her hometown with a concerning message “Please keep me in your prayers.”
Franklin suffers from pancreatic cancer. She underwent surgery in 2010 and has maintained a regular concert schedule despite frequent illness since that time.
Celebrities and fans alike have taken to social media to express their condolences and support through Franklin’s final days.
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
Praying for the Queen of Soul ???????? #ArethaFranklin pic.twitter.com/5cfNPrQrq3
— Mariah Carey (@MariahCarey) August 13, 2018
Detroit’s Local 4 WDIV metro news covered the singer’s struggle in the video below,
Here's @EvrodCassimy's report on The Queen of Soul. pic.twitter.com/UqNyWLnFKT
— Local 4 WDIV Detroit (@Local4News) August 13, 2018