The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, is reportedly gravely ill.
According to multiple reports, the 76-year-old singer's family and close friends have gathered at her side in Detroit.
Last year, the soul legend announced that she would be retiring from live performances in the near future, but said she was still working on new music.
Earlier this year, Franklin was forced to cancel her appearance at the TD Toronto Jazz Festival on doctor's instructions. She had been "ordered to not perform in the coming months."
According to the Telegraph's sources, Franklin has "uncharacteristically" missed a series of public engagements in the last few months — including the funeral of the Temptations' Dennis Edwards, a former lover said to have inspired the song "Day Dreaming."
Franklin's family confirmed reports of the singer's illness to Detroit's Local 4 WDIV.
According to multiple reports, the 76-year-old singer's family and close friends have gathered at her side in Detroit.
Last year, the soul legend announced that she would be retiring from live performances in the near future, but said she was still working on new music.
Earlier this year, Franklin was forced to cancel her appearance at the TD Toronto Jazz Festival on doctor's instructions. She had been "ordered to not perform in the coming months."
According to the Telegraph's sources, Franklin has "uncharacteristically" missed a series of public engagements in the last few months — including the funeral of the Temptations' Dennis Edwards, a former lover said to have inspired the song "Day Dreaming."
Franklin's family confirmed reports of the singer's illness to Detroit's Local 4 WDIV.
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
Here's @EvrodCassimy's report on The Queen of Soul. pic.twitter.com/UqNyWLnFKT
— Local 4 WDIV Detroit (@Local4News) August 13, 2018