By now, everyone has probably heard the latest reports about Aretha Franklin. Sadly, the Queen of Soul isn’t doing well and she’s said to be gravely ill. Now, another report has emerged and it appears all the chatter may be true. As fans have expressed concern about Franklin’s health, a close friend of hers has reportedly taken the time to visit her. According to The Jasmine Brand, Stevie Wonder has visited Aretha Franklin in hospice care.
A Visit From A Good Friend:
It has been reported that on Tuesday, August 14, the legendary singer/pianist took time out of his schedule to stop by the hospice facility where Franklin is being cared for. For those who don’t know, last year when Aretha Franklin announced her retirement, she revealed her plans to release a new album with Stevie Wonder were actually planning to release a new album together. However, her declining health was likely the reason the album has not been released.
In addition to Stevie Wonder, her ex-husband Glynn Turner and Rev. Jesse Jackson are expected to visit her sometime today. In wake of the latest reports about the drastic decline in Franklin’s health, many celebrities, and public figures have opted to pay homage to the Queen of Soul. When Beyonce and Jay-Z performed in Detroit, MI at Ford Field on Monday night, the power couple dedicated their whole concert to the ailing singer.
On Sunday, the latest health reports began circulating online and initially, fans thought it was just another hoax, but Franklin’s representative turned heads with a statement released on Monday. It was confirmed that the singer is “seriously ill and surrounded by family members who appreciate the outpouring of love and support they have received.”
The latest confirmation comes just months after the singer’s management revealed doctors had restricted her from traveling and performing. “Aretha Franklin has been ordered by her doctor to stay off the road and rest completely for at least the next two months,” Franklin’s management said.
A Long-Kept Secret:
The latest reports follow a string of other reports and rumors about Aretha Franklin’s ailing health. Since 2010, the “R.E.S.P.E.C.T.” singer has been plagued with rumors of cancer and other forms of terminal illness and she’s even fallen victim to the infamous death hoax. However, she has always been adamant about keeping her personal life out of the public eye. When asked about her health, she made it clear that it was no one’s business. In fact, she admitted she rarely even discusses her health with family. It’s typically between her and her doctors. During an interview with JET magazine, Franklin was asked about all the rumors and she wasted no time waving off the claims. “I am not going to even deal with that,” Franklin previously told JET.
But due to the decline she’s facing now, those close to her are speaking out. “I am so saddened to report that the Queen of Soul and my good friend, Aretha Franklin is gravely ill,” wrote Detroit news anchor Evrod Cassimy. “I spoke with her family members this evening. She is asking for your prayers at this time. I’ll have more details as I’m allowed to release.”
Prayers up for Aretha Franklin.
