Aretha Franklin’s nephew is speaking out following reports Monday that the Queen of Soul is near death.
“She’s alert, laughing, teasing, able to recognize people,” Tim Franklin told People. “Family is there with her. She’s home.”
The 76-year-old singer, who has battled health issues for many years, was said to be “gravely ill” on Monday. Media outlets reported that Franklin was in hospice care and death was “imminent.”
TMZ cited its sources as saying Franklin was a frail 86 pounds and that Monday is the day "Aretha will pass."
Her nephew told People she is watching TV, “so God forbid she sees all of this ‘Aretha’s dead.'"
He added that Franklin’s family is choosing to be hopeful. “She believes she’ll pull through it, and that’s the important thing.”
MORE: Aretha Franklin Gravely Ill: Reports
Stars like Mariah Carey, Chaka Khan, and Ciara took to Twitter to share their thoughts after news broke about Franklin’s condition.
Missy Elliott tweeted: “My prayers are with Aretha Franklin & her family during this difficult time … we MUST CELEBRATE the Living Legends while they are here to see it. So many have given us decades of Timeless music…”
Paul Stanley of Kiss shared: “There will NEVER be another Aretha Franklin. Only those inspired by her as they reach for the impossible.”
Beyoncé and Jay-Z dedicated their concert Monday night in Detroit to Franklin. "This show tonight is dedicated to Aretha Franklin," Beyoncé told the crowd. “We love you and thank you.” Opening act DJ Khaled also paid tribute by playing “Respect.”