Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Aretha Franklin: Queen of Soul ‘gravely ill’ in hospice care as Beyonce pays tribute on stage

The singer is said to be surrounded by close friends and family

Jacob Stolworthy
Tuesday 14 August 2018 09:58 BST
Comments
Aretha Franklin performs for Barack Obama at Kennedy Center Honors 2015

UPDATE: Aretha Franklin is in hospice care at her home, a close friend confirmed to CNN.

Reports that the Queen of Soul was "gravely unwell" first surfaced on Sunday evening with a Detroit news anchor seemingly confirming her family had told him the news.

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

A friend has since confirmed the news to Associated Press but a rep for Franklin did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

Franklin, who is set to retire from live music in February 2019, last performed live last November at Elton John's annual AIDS Foundation gala. She confirmed her retirement to Cassimy while simultaneously announcing plans to work on a new record with Stevie Wonder.

She cancelled her tour dates in March after her doctor told her to “rest completely” for at least two months. One of the shows would have marked the “Respect” singer's 76th birthday.

In 1987, Franklin became the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Following the news, Beyonce and Jay Z paid tribute to the iconic singer at a show performed in Franklin's hometown of Detroit. "We love you," they said before thanking" her for the "beautiful" music.

Other singers to have sent well wishes include Missy Elliott and Mariah Carey.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in