Musical icon, legend and undisputed Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin is reportedly ‘gravely ill‘ while family members have gathered to be with the singer in what could be her final hours.
TMZ via local Detroit media confirmed the news Monday while sources have indicated that the 76-year-old singer is battling cancer.
A source very close to Aretha and a longtime dear friend tells TMZ he was told a week ago, “Prepare yourself, she’s dying.” The source adds Aretha was down to 86 pounds and her health was failing. The source says 2 weeks ago everyone in Aretha’s circle was told “she could go any time.”
Another source — someone who has been close to Aretha for decades — tells TMZ she has been battling cancer.
Franklin had been in declining health over the past few years and admitted to fans that she would have to wind down her touring as a result. There was news around Detroit that she would purchase a club in the City to perform live at in an effort to continue to put out live music for her fans.
Franklin’s last performance came last November during an Elton John AIDS Foundation event.
Here's @EvrodCassimy's report on The Queen of Soul. pic.twitter.com/UqNyWLnFKT
— Local 4 WDIV Detroit (@Local4News) August 13, 2018
Although she’s denied it in the past, Franklin has been suspected of battling pancreatic cancer over the last eight years.
Nothing but mad respect for Franklin who’s probably without a doubt the greatest female singer of all-time.