Aretha Franklin performing in 2013 (photo: US Army Band CC 2.0)
Singer Aretha Franklin has been hospitalized in ‘gravely ill’ condition, per reports
As of late Sunday, a number of reports surfaced that the “Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin is “gravely ill” and has been hospitalized. The website Showbiz411.com was the first to report the news, with other websites citing it as the original source.
Based on the original source, the singer is hospitalized in Detroit, as Franklin’s family may be preparing for what could be her final moments. Reportedly, those closest to her were asking for people to send their support and to respect the singer’s privacy.
As of early this (Monday) morning, few other details were reported about the singer’s condition. We’re not clear when the singer was taken to the hospital, and reps have yet to confirm the reports.
Franklin is credited with 18 Grammy Awards and is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Some of her biggest hits over the years included the songs “Respect,” “Pink Cadillac,” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.”
The singer turned 76 this past March and was diagnosed with cancer back in 2010. However, she battled with the disease and continued to perform over the years including an appearance at Elton John AIDS Foundation in New York last November. Last August saw her take the stage for possibly her final performance at the Mann Center in Philadelphia.
Four months ago, Franklin canceled all of her upcoming concerts following doctor’s orders.
Rolling Stone reported she had to pull out of a New Orleans Jazz Fest where she was the headlining act. At the time, Franklin’s manager said in a statement that the doctor ordered her to “stay off the road and rest” for two months. Franklin was also scheduled for performances in Boston and Toronto in June at that time.
With the report of Franklin’s health, the report became a trending topic as many users took to Twitter to offer prayers and support. Right now, there is only one report which gives an indication of Aretha Franklin’s condition or situation, so there will possibly be an official statement on the way from the singer’s management or close sources.