Aretha Franklin Is Reportedly Extremely Ill, Battling Cancer

The 76-year-old is currently surrounded by family in Detroit, as some sources say she is "gravely ill" and could pass away soon from a battle with cancer.

August 13, 2018

Aretha Franklin ill — Image via Getty/Nicholas Hunt
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According to multiple reports, including ones from TMZand the Detroit Free Press, legendary singer and icon Aretha Franklin is "gravely ill."

“I am so saddened to report that the Queen of Soul and my good friend, Aretha Franklin is gravely ill,” local Detroit anchor Evrod Cassimy tweeted early Monday morning.

The 76-year-old is currently surrounded by family in Detroit, where she was raised from the age of 4. “My roots are there. The church is there. My family is there,” she told the Free Press in 2011. “I like the camaraderie in Detroit, how we’ll rally behind something that’s really worthy and come to each other’s assistance.”

Per TMZ, Franklin was told by doctors a week ago that her health was declining. One source says she’s been battling cancer, and another says she could pass away very soon.

A biopic on the soulful singer best known for "Respect", "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman", "Spanish Harlem,” and so many other classic songs is currently expected to begin filming in 2019 and stars Jennifer Hudson.

Prayers for Franklin from fans have begun pouring in online.