Aretha Franklin's death is reportedly "imminent," sources say following reports that the legendary singer is "gravely ill."
People reported on Monday that Franklin, 76, "has been ill for a long time," but "she did not want people to know and she didn't make it public."
The report echoes the claims made to TMZ by a source close to the singer, who said that Franklin "could go at any time," noting that she was down to 85 pounds.
Roger Friedman of Showbizz 411 was the first to report on Monday that the soul singer was nearing the end, noting that her "family is asking for prayers and privacy" as she suffers from cancer in a Detroit hospital. Friedman noted that Franklin was reportedly first diagnosed with cancer back in 2010. She gave her final public performance in August of 2017 at Philadelphia's Mann Center months before performing at an event for Elton John's AIDS Foundation in November, at which Franklin garnered concern with her noticeably gaunt appearance.
"Aretha is surrounded by family and people close to her," Friedman reported. "She will be so missed as a mother, sister, friend, cousin. But her legacy is larger than life. It’s not just that Rolling Stone called her the number 1 singer of all time, or that she is the Queen of Soul. Long live the Queen."
Per People, Detroit news anchor Evrod Cassimy -- and "good friend" of Franklin -- claimed to have spoken directly to the singer and noted that she was "resting and surrounded by close friends and family."
Evrod Cassimy
@EvrodCassimy
BREAKING NEWS: I am so saddened to report that the Queen of Soul and my good friend, Aretha Franklin is gravely ill. 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.
Evrod Cassimy
@EvrodCassimy
Just got a chance to speak to Aretha Franklin. She is resting and surrounded by close friends and family. More details ahead on Local 4 News at 12pm. #ArethaFranklin #aretha
Confirmation that Franklin is "gravely ill" came months after the singer cancelled a slew of shows in the spring following doctor's orders that she rest for "at least the next two months." Rumors that Franklin had been diagnosed with cancer had persisted for years, but she had never publicly confirmed that she was suffering.
Aretha Franklin had previously announced that her next album, "A Brand New Album," is scheduled to be released in November.
Lady of Soul you have our prayers , we pray for the family to have strength to be with their love one in her crossing over and hope it is peaceful /
Shadow & Witchy
