Aretha Frankin is reportedly gravely ill.
The music legend is on her deathbed, a family source confirmed with the Associated Press on Monday. Since then, multiple publications have confirmed the news including Detroit news anchor Evrod Cassimy. Family sources say Aretha Frankin has been ill for the past several months but kept it a secret. Over the past couple of days her health has deteriorated, and now she is surrounded by family and friend.
“I am so saddened to report that the Queen of Soul and my good friend, Aretha Franklin is gravely ill,” Cassimy wrote on Twitter. “I spoke with her family members this evening. She is asking for your prayers at this time. I’ll have more details as I’m allowed to release.”
Franklin, who is now 76 years old, is widely regarded as the queen of soul music. She has some of the biggest songs ever recorded including hits like “I Say A Little Prayer,” “Rolling In The Deep,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” and “Freeway Of Love.”
BREAKING NEWS: 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.
— Evrod Cassimy (@EvrodCassimy) August 13, 2018
Just got a chance to speak to Aretha Franklin. She is resting and surrounded by close friends and family. More details ahead on Local 4 News at 12pm. #ArethaFranklin #aretha
— Evrod Cassimy (@EvrodCassimy) August 13, 2018
In February of 2017, Aretha Franklin announced that she is retiring from music. There are now speculations that she found out about her illness around that time. “I will be recording, but this will be my last year in concert. This is it,” she said.
Here's @EvrodCassimy's report on The Queen of Soul. pic.twitter.com/UqNyWLnFKT
— Local 4 WDIV Detroit (@Local4News) August 13, 2018
