Fans and celebrities took to Twitter Sunday night with prayers and messages of support for Aretha Franklin, after Roger Friedman’s Showbiz 411 reported the music legend is “gravely ill.”
Friedman, a longtime friend of the singer, said she is “surrounded by family and people close to her” in Detroit, adding that “the family is asking for prayers and privacy.”
Among those sending well-wishes to Franklin on social media were actress and comedian Jackée Harry.
“Prayers going up for the Queen of Soul tonight. Music just wouldn’t be same if not for Aretha Franklin,” Harry tweeted.
Prayers going up for the Queen of Soul tonight. Music just wouldn’t be same if not for Aretha Franklin. pic.twitter.com/oHHO5Kvfah
— Jackée Harry (@JackeeHarry) August 13, 2018
Others said they were sending love and positive vibes Franklin’s way.
Sending positive vibes to the QUEEN – Aretha Franklin ??
— Ray Cunningham ?????? (@MissterRay) August 13, 2018
Sending my love to a legend, an icon, a strong, fierce woman .. Aretha Franklin…. Much respect….
— Joan Grande (@joangrande) August 13, 2018
Prayers up for Aretha Franklin… ?? ????
— TQ (@TQtheTrojan) August 13, 2018
Praying for Aretha Franklin…oh, how I hope this isn’t true.
— Loren Gold (@lorengold) August 13, 2018
Let’s all send nothing but love & respect to our Queen, #ArethaFranklin.
— David Wild (@Wildaboutmusic) August 13, 2018
I love you @ArethaFranklin
Thank you for making this world so beautiful. pic.twitter.com/GyrV6qmjcX— Ryan Adams (@TheRyanAdams) August 13, 2018
The Respect and Rock Steady singer, who turned 76 in March, was reportedly diagnosed with cancer in 2010, but battled back and continued to perform.
In 2015, Franklin delivered a show-stopping tribute to (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman writer, Carole King, at the Kennedy Center Honors.
But last summer Franklin canceled several concerts citing “doctor’s orders.”
The music icon was born in Memphis. She grew up in Detroit, and started singing in her father’s baptist church.
Over the years, Franklin has received a total of 18 Grammy Awards and sold over 75 million records worldwide.
In 1987, she was the first woman inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. She also performed at President Barack Obama’s inauguration in 2009.
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