Aretha Franklin Is Reportedly Extremely Ill, Battling Cancer

The 76-year-old is currently surrounded by family in Detroit, as some sources say she is "gravely ill" and could pass away soon from a battle with cancer.

Aretha Franklin ill
Getty

Image via Getty/Nicholas Hunt

Aretha Franklin ill

According to multiple reports, including ones from TMZand the Detroit Free Press, legendary singer and icon Aretha Franklin is "gravely ill."

“I am so saddened to report that the Queen of Soul and my good friend, Aretha Franklin is gravely ill,” local Detroit anchor Evrod Cassimy tweeted early Monday morning.

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

The 76-year-old is currently surrounded by family in Detroit, where she was raised from the age of 4. “My roots are there. The church is there. My family is there,” she told the Free Press in 2011. “I like the camaraderie in Detroit, how we’ll rally behind something that’s really worthy and come to each other’s assistance.”

Per TMZ, Franklin was told by doctors a week ago that her health was declining. One source says she’s been battling cancer, and another says she could pass away very soon.

A biopic on the soulful singer best known for "Respect", "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman", "Spanish Harlem,” and so many other classic songs is currently expected to begin filming in 2019 and stars Jennifer Hudson.

Prayers for Franklin from fans have begun pouring in online.

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

prayers up for Aretha Franklin 🙏😭 stay with us auntie pic.twitter.com/pOrp2AQu58

— ︎J (@JAYVERSACE) August 13, 2018

Prayers going up for the Queen of Soul tonight. Music just wouldn’t be same if not for Aretha Franklin. pic.twitter.com/oHHO5Kvfah

— Jackée Harry (@JackeeHarry) August 13, 2018

Praying for Aretha Franklin and her family right now! ❤️🙏🏽

— Ciara (@ciara) August 13, 2018

This story is developing...

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