Soul music legend Aretha Franklin, the voice of the iconic classics “Respect”, “Natural Woman”, and “I Say a Little Prayer”, is reportedly “gravely ill” and family members have asked the public for prayers, according to reports.
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
Rolling Stone adds: ‘Radio host Tom Joyner similarly stated Franklin was in grave condition Monday on his radio show, adding that Franklin has been in hospice care for a week, the Detroit News reports. The Associated Press also confirmed with a person close to the singer that Franklin is “seriously ill.” A rep for Franklin did not immediately reply to a request for comment. In March, Franklin canceled her scheduled tour dates after her doctor recommended she “stay off the road and rest completely for at least the next two months.”
