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America’s queen of soul is reportedly “gravely ill” in Detroit, where friends and family have gathered around her.
Detroit news anchor Evrod Cassimy broke the news of Franklin’s impending retirement in February confirming that Franklin’s family informed him Monday morning that Franklin is “gravely ill.”
“I am so saddened to report that the Queen of Soul and my good friend, Aretha Franklin is gravely ill,” Cassimy wrote on Twitter.
“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.”
Franklin last performed in November 2017 at Elton John’s annual AIDS Foundation gala. Earlier this year, Franklin revealed that she would retire from touring in 2018, although she hoped to perform live occasionally at her planned Detroit namesake nightclub that she would own.
“I am retiring this year,” Franklin told Cassimy. “I will be recording, but this will be my last year in concert. This is it.” Franklin also announced plans to work on a new Stevie Wonder-assisted album.