Arts & Entertainment

Report: Aretha Franklin’s family and friends say she is ‘gravely ill’

The Queen of Soul is said to be surrounded by family and friends

Published

7 years ago

August 13, 2018

Mariah Cooper

Aretha Franklin, gay news, Washington Blade

Aretha Franklin (Photo courtesy of Project Publicity)

Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin is said to be “gravely ill,” according to her family and friends.

Showbiz 411 columnist Roger Friedman first reported on Sunday that Franklin is “gravely ill” and that her family and friends are “asking for prayers and privacy.”

Detroit news anchor Evrod Cassimy confirmed Franklin’s health condition tweeting,”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.”

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) August 13, 2018

A source told Us Weekly that Franklin is “comfortable at home” but her “body is breaking down.” The singer is reportedly “hanging in there, but recovery is not looking likely.”

Radio host Tom Joyner, who is a close friend of Franklin’s, confirmed to the Detroit News that Franklin is in hospice care. An anonymous source also told the Associated Press that Franklin is “seriously ill.”

In February 2017, Franklin officially announced her retirement to Detroit TV station WDIV Local 4 saying: “I am retiring this year. I will be recording, but this will be my last year in concert. This is it.”

However, she did have plans to perform for “some select things” in the future.

Those select performances included a show in Newark, New Jersey in March on her 76th birthday and a show at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in April. Both shows were canceled due to doctor’s orders that she rest. The condition of her health was not announced at that time.

Franklin’s last performance was at Elton John’s annual AIDS Foundation gala in November 2017.

Her most recent project is an album collaboration with Stevie Wonder which is expected to be released in November.

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PHOTOS: Black Pride Opening Reception

Special guests include Ts Madison, Kerri Colby

Published

3 days ago

May 25, 2025

Michael Key

Ts Madison entertains at the Black Pride Opening Ceremony on Friday, May 23 at the Capital Hilton. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The Opening Reception for the 34th annual D.C. Black Pride was held at the Capital Hilton on Friday, May 23. Presenters, speakers and entertainers included Ts Madison, Monroe Alise, Billy the Goat, Kerri Colby, Apple Brown Betty, Heather Mahogani, Lyrical Mar, Lolita Leopard, Ink, and Bang Garçon. Anthony Oakes was the host.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)