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:
Spoke with close friend of Aretha Franklin and family. Iconic singer not doing well.
— Harry Hairston (@harryhairston) August 13, 2018
Anybody else not wanting to go to sleep because you don’t want to see an alert about Aretha Franklin in the morning when you wake up? pic.twitter.com/r7Ofu8FwdQ
— ?Jewell Reign? (@JewellReign) August 13, 2018
Oh God.. Aretha Franklin is trending for the reason I feared. I’m not ready. pic.twitter.com/dX3530NrzJ
— misslamabean (@misslamabean) August 13, 2018
So trump alive and healthy but Aretha Franklin is in the hospital. God, imma need to have a little talk with you pic.twitter.com/8JC9vEhuCj
— Luith (@LUISAGGY) August 13, 2018
Aretha Franklin (@ArethaFranklin), Queen of Soul, please don’t leave us. the world will be a darker place without your bright light, but your music & your voice will shine on. We love you. #Respect pic.twitter.com/lZePl8U7EC
— ♀️ ᵀᴴᴱ ????-????? (@Im_TheAntiTrump) August 13, 2018
Dear God, I will be very angry if you take Aretha Franklin away from us as life is already shit enough.
P.S. If you decide not to take her, of course make sure she’s not in pain, thanks. #ArethaFranklin— Indiesnob (@ItzWoweeZowee) August 13, 2018
I Say a Little Prayer for Aretha Franklin ? pic.twitter.com/ktIeJEOVp2
— Claire Underwood (@ParisPasRose) August 13, 2018
My heart when I saw Aretha Franklin trend ?? pic.twitter.com/NVEDgL1Es1
— Kaitlyn Bush (@Kaitlyn_BushKB) August 13, 2018
Trying my best to ignore this news about Aretha Franklin, and that ain’t working out so well for me. One of the few people in public life for which hyperbole does not exist.
— Charlotte Clymer?️? (@cmclymer) August 13, 2018
me when i saw aretha franklin trending pic.twitter.com/CCo0OgGap2
— jasmine (@jasminenhahn) August 13, 2018
Can you imagine a world without Aretha Franklin in it? pic.twitter.com/tSVyftdRYF
— Leslie Molson (@lesliemolson) August 13, 2018
