Aretha Franklin Is “Gravely Ill”
She is, quite simply, my favorite living singer. So I am most concerned about this report: ‘Aretha Franklin—the Queen of Soul—is “gravely ill†in a Detroit hospital, according to entertainment news site Showbiz 411. The report says Franklin, 76, is surrounded by her friends and family. Harry Hairston, investigative reporter for NBC News, appeared to confirm the initial report, saying: “Spoke with close friend of Aretha Franklin and family. Iconic singer not doing well.†Her family is reportedly asking for prayers and privacy. Franklin has won 18 Grammy awards and, during her 63-year career, sold more than 75 million records.’