‘Queen of Soul’ Aretha Franklin is Gravely Ill, According to Several Reports

“R-E-S-P-E-C-T” – ed singer Aretha Franklin, has been dealing with serious health issues for several years. On Monday, The Associated Press reported that Franklin was very sick, but no other details have been provided.

We’re praying that Aretha Franklin can pull though and will keep you updated with more details about her condition as they become available.https://t.co/uvsxQDTw9q

— BET (@BET) August 13, 2018

Born in Memphis, Tennessee but raised in Detroit, Aretha is the daughter a Baptist preacher. She spend a majority of her youth singing in the church choir. With her father’s connections to major gossip artists, Aretha began making music at the age of 14; later continuing her journey touring with Sam Cooke.

“My faith always has been and always will be important to me.”- Aretha Franklin 🙏🏾❤ pic.twitter.com/ekQkXqUErh

— ESSENCE (@Essence) August 13, 2018

Franklin held the record for most Billboard hot 100 hits of any female artist until surpassed by Nicki Minaj in 2017. Franklin has been nominated for Grammy Awards 44 times, winning 18 times.

Thinking this morning of the legend herself, Aretha Franklin the mighty, the incomparable, and wishing her peace in body and mind. pic.twitter.com/PWzaNRKAMC

— wikipedia brown ✨ (@eveewing) August 13, 2018

Franklin underwent surgery for pancreatic cancer in December 2010 and since then has frequently been ill. Following doctor’s orders, Franklin has cancelled several performances since last summer, including a March 25 show, in Newark, N.J., taking place on her birthday and New Orleans Jazz Fest in April.

Our thoughts and prayers rest with Aretha, and her loved ones.

prayers up for Aretha Franklin 🙏😭 stay with us auntie pic.twitter.com/pOrp2AQu58

— 🌻🌻🌻 (@JAYVERSACE) August 13, 2018