Legendary Singer Aretha Franklin Is Reportedly ‘Gravely Ill’

Aretha Franklin (Handout Photo)

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.

Others said they were sending love and positive vibes Franklin’s way.

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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