“Queen Of Soul” Aretha Franklin Is Reportedly ‘Gravely Ill’

Yahoo Music August 13, 2018

A new report claims that singer Aretha Franklin is seriously ill. The Queen of Soul is 76 years old.

Entertainment reporter Roger Friedman of Showbiz 411 was first to address the alleged concerns over Franklin’s health, claiming that the 18-time Grammy winner is “gravely ill in Detroit.”

Friedman did not disclose details of Franklin’s illness, but added that her family is “asking for prayers and privacy.”

Reporter Harry Hairston subsequently tweeted that, according to a “close friend” of the music legend, she is “not doing well.”

Yahoo Entertainment has contacted Franklin’s representatives for comment.

Franklin, who last performed in public in November 2017 for the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s 25th anniversary gala, has struggled with health issues in recent years. In 2010 she underwent surgery for a tumor, but later disputed reports that she had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Her undisclosed illness has resulted in several concert cancelations. Most recently, doctor’s orders prevented her from performing at the New Orleans Jazz Fest in March.

Reports of Franklin’s poor health have prompted messages of concern from various music industry figures.