Relatives Say Aretha Franklin Is “Gravely Ill” [VIDEO]

Rolling Stone reports:

Aretha Franklin is reportedly “gravely ill” in Detroit, where friends and family have gathered around the Queen of Soul.

Showbiz 411 first reported on Franklin’s condition Sunday night, with Detroit news anchor Evrod Cassimy – who broke news of Franklin’s impending retirement in February – confirming that Franklin’s family informed him Monday morning that Franklin is “gravely ill.”

“I am so saddened to report that the Queen of Soul and my good friend, Aretha Franklin is gravely ill,” Cassimy tweeted. “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.”

The Detroit Free Press reports:

In recent months, she canceled appearances due to doctor’s orders at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in April and a performance at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center on March 25, her 76th birthday.  Her most recent performance was in November at Elton John’s AIDS Foundation gala in New York City, where she closed the event singing songs such as “I Say a Little Prayer” and “Freeway of Love.” John lauded her “the greatest singer of all time.”