Aretha Franklin is reportedly 'gravely ill'

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According to a new report, 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 new concerns over Franklin’s health on Sunday, saying that the 18-time Grammy winner is “gravely ill in Detroit.”

Aretha Franklin (pictured in 1969) is reportedly seriously ill. (Photo: Fred A. Sabine/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images)
Aretha Franklin (pictured in 1969) is reportedly seriously ill. (Photo: Fred A. Sabine/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images)

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

The Queen of Soul performed at a gala for the Elton John AIDS Foundation in 2017. (Photo: Nicholas Hunt/WireImage)
The Queen of Soul performed at a gala for the Elton John AIDS Foundation in 2017. (Photo: Nicholas Hunt/WireImage)

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 cancellations. Most recently, Franklin had to pull out of performing at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in April on doctor’s orders.

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

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