Following reports that Iconic soul and blues singer Aretha Franklin is gravely ill, family of the 76-year-old have given an update on her health.
Speaking exclusively to Radar Online, the Queen of Soul’s nephew Tim Franklin explained that his aunt is asking fans to keep her in their prayers. Although she’s ill, he insisted she was alert, responsive and even laughing. He also said that she wasn’t giving up without a fight.
“Aretha’s a strong woman of faith,” Tim told the publication. “Of course, we’re all praying for her during her time of illness. We are of the belief that she’ll pull through, and her spirits are that of such.”
He claimed the ‘Chain of Fools’ songstress was aware that her fans around the world were concerned for her, but he said she wasn’t facing her final curtain call just yet.
“We’re praying with her. We’re calling. We’re checking on her,” Tim said. “She’s nowhere close to that right now, that we’re aware of. And there are people there.
Earlier this year, the singer known for her hits including ‘Respect’, ‘Natural Woman’ and ‘I Say a Little Prayer’ was forced to pull out of a string of planned concerts across the United States due to her poor health.
Her close friend and journalist Roland Martin took to Twitter earlier this week to give fans of the singer an update.
“Many of you are asking me to confirm the health status of @ArethaFranklin. Folks, I’ve known for several months. The Queen is surrounded by loved ones. That’s all I will say for now,” he wrote alongside a snap of the pair from 2016. “Please keep her, the family and her longtime support staff in your prayers.”
Evrod Cassimy, a Detroit based local news anchor who was the first to learn of the singer’s retirement, also tweeted Aretha’s health.
“BREAKING NEWS: I am so saddened to report that the Queen of Soul and my good friend, Aretha Franklin is gravely ill,” he 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.”
An awful internet hoax last year also reported that the star had died, although she quickly put those rumours to bed and told her fans not to believe such rubbish. Fans have been sharing their well-wishes online, hoping that their idol makes a swift recovery.