Aretha Franklin ‘Gravely Ill’ – Needs Prayers

Legendary singer Aretha Franklin is reported to be “gravely ill” while surrounded by her family and friends in a Detroit hospital. Over the years, she has reportedly battled cancer, weight problems, and a host of other health concerns. Now, her family is “asking for prayers and privacy.”

The 76-year-old singer’s last private performance was in November at the Elton John AIDS Foundation. She was forced to cancel a performance in New Orleans in March because of health issues. At a show in Detroit, Aretha also asked the audience to keep her in their prayers.

Last year, she announced that she was looking to wind down her singing career and retire.

“I must tell you, I am retiring this year,” Aretha said. “This will be my last year. I will be recording, but this will be my last year in concert. This is it.”

Aretha Franklin was born in Memphis but raised in Detroit by her preacher father. She grew up singing gospel songs which helped set her musical career on its legendary path.

Franklin, who has earned 18 Grammys and was the first woman to be inducted into the Rock Hall of Fame, is a mother to four sons. She first found herself pregnant at the very young age of 12 and when she was just 14, she gave birth to her second son. However, Aretha did not allow teen motherhood to stand in the way of her ambitions.

Aretha Franklin has had so many hit songs, but a poignant one to share at this time is “I Say A Little Prayer For You,” which you can see below.

At this time, the family has not disclosed the source of Aretha’s current health issues. They are simply asking for privacy and prayers. Let’s lift Aretha and her family up in prayer during this sad time.

Source: Heavy