The Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin is said to be gravely ill and currently receiving hospice care in Detroit. She is also surrounded by her family and friends according to US media.
The singer cancelled planned concerts earlier this year due to health concerns and was ordered by doctors to rest for two months.
Meanwhile, celebrity website TMZ has reported that a “long-time friend was told a week ago ‘prepare yourself, she’s dying.'” The source also adds Aretha was down to 86 pounds and her health was failing.
Upon hearing the sad news about the singer’s condition, famous personalities expressed their love and support on social media.
It has come to my attention that the GREAT ARETHA FRANKLIN is fighting for her life!! It saddens me greatly! We have a mutual respect and affection for each other! I shall NEVER forget her gracious invitation to present the EMMY with her at Radio City Music Hall! 1of THE GREATS!!
— Eric Braeden (@EBraeden) August 14, 2018
Like people all around the world, Hillary and I are thinking about Aretha Franklin tonight & listening to her music that has been such an important part of our lives the last 50 years. We hope you’ll lift her up by listening and sharing her songs that have meant the most to you.
— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) August 14, 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
CHAKA KHAN – RESPECT – 💜💜 ARETHA FRANKLIN
I fall asleep tonight with a heavy heart & a prayer for my soul sister 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿https://t.co/0WOKwNw0VX #ArethaFranklin— Chaka Khan (@ChakaKhan) August 14, 2018
Beyonce dedicated her performance to the singer at the On The Run II Tour on Monday night in her hometown, while in the same show, DJ Khaled played Respect.
Considered as one of the great singers of all-time, Franklin is also a recipient of 18 Grammy Awards and was the first female performer to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.
She is best known for her songs “Respect” and “(You Make Me Feel) Like A Natural Woman.”
In 2017, Aretha Franklin told a local Detroit news station that she would be retiring after collaborating on a new album with Stevie Wonder.
“I will be recording, but this will be my last year in concert.”
“This is it.”