On Sunday, August 12th, news came out via an exclusive with entertainment website Showbiz 411 that the Queen of Soul was "gravely ill" and was surrounded by friends and family at a hospital in Detroit. It is reported, the family is asking for prayers and privacy during this time. Evrod Cassimy, a WDIV Morning News Anchor in Detroit and personal friend of Franklin's, confirms the news.
The legendary artist has been battling a number of health problems in recent years, canceling a series of concerts last summer at her doctor's behest. Franklin was diagnosed with cancer in 2010 and has since undergone several treatments and surgeries. Last summer, she performed an outdoor concert in her hometown of Detroit, asking the audience, "keep me in your prayers." Her most recent live performance was in November of 2017 at a fundraiser for the Elton John AIDS Foundation in New York.
Since the '60s, Franklin has been gracing the airwaves with her powerful, passionate mezzo-soprano voice. She is an 18-time Grammy Award winner, and the first female performer to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. KEXP is "saying a little prayer" for Lady Soul.
