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BY Farida Dawkins, 9:27am August 13, 2018,

Fans saddened by news that soul singer, Aretha Franklin, is ‘gravely ill’

by Farida Dawkins, 9:27am August 13, 2018,
Aretha Franklin...composite

On Sunday night it was revealed that 76-year-old “Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin was close to death. She is apparently in Detroit, being comforted by family and other loved ones during this dire time.

Franklin’s health has been on a decline since at least 2011. The singer has been notoriously private about her personal affairs, commenting, “I am not one to do a lot of talking about my personal health or business. Not too much, not too much. There are a lot of people who will talk about anything, as long as there is somebody listening. But I am not one of those people. That’s not Aretha.”

In June 2017, Franklin cancelled a concert in Toronto citing “doctor’s orders.”

Franklin started her singing career in 1956 when she recorded her earliest tracks. Regarded as a child prodigy, she is a self-taught musician lauded for her booming voice.

She is famously known for her singles, “Respect,” “I Say a Little Prayer” and “I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You).”

We’re wishing the Queen of Soul a speedy recovery!

Twitter is abuzz with thoughts and concerns about Franklin’s health:

Last Edited by:Nduta Waweru Updated: August 13, 2018

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