Prayers for seriously ill ‘Queen of Soul’ Aretha Franklin, 76, in hospital
TRIBUTES WERE paid last night after it was revealed that singer Aretha Franklin was seriously ill.
The music star, known as the Queen of Soul, was first reported to be “gravely ill” by American film critic and entertainment reporter Roger Friedman, who said he is a close friend of Franklin.
Friedman said Franklin was in Detroit with friends and family, who were “asking for prayers and privacy”. Another source said Franklin, 76, was “seriously ill”.
Detroit TV station WDIV Local 4 also reported Franklin’s family said she was ill.
The channel’s news anchor Evrod Cassimy tweeted: “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.”
Franklin revealed she was going to retire after releasing one more album in February last year.
The singer was forced to cancel a handful of concerts earlier this year, including a stint at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in April, due to ill health.
Franklin – and her distinctive, powerful voice – rose to fame in the 1960s after starting out as a gospel singer, going on to achieve massive global success with memorable soul hits including
Respect, Think and (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.