A few days ago, we reported that the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin is ‘gravely ill’ in Detroit. The 18-time Grammy winner has been in hospice care for a week, reports The Detroit News. Sources close to Aretha – and a longtime friend – told TMZ he was informed a week ago, ‘prepare yourself, she’s dying.’ The insider added to the publication that Aretha was down to 86 pounds and her health was failing and that they were told two weeks ago that everyone in the star’s circle was told ‘she could go any time.’ Another source close to the singer told TMZ she has been battling cancer. Family members confirmed the news on 13 August to WDIV-TV after a report from entertainment site Showbiz411 claimed Franklin, 76, was being surrounded by friends and family, who are asking for prayers.
News anchor Evrod Cassimy reported: ‘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.’