Music legend Aretha Franklin is gravely ill, a friend revealed Monday morning.
Detroit TV reporter Evrod Cassimy tweeted: “I am so saddened to report that the Queen of Soul and my good friend, Aretha Franklin is gravely ill. 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.”
According to another report, Franklin is in a Detroit hospital surrounded by "family and people close to her."
Franklin, 76, has battled health issues for many years. At the end of a concert in her hometown Detroit last summer, she told the crowd: “Keep me in your prayers.”
Known as the Queen of Soul, Franklin released her 42nd studio album, A Brand New Me, last November. Her last performance was at the 25th anniversary gala for the Elton John AIDS Foundation that same month.
Singer Ciara was among the first artists to tweet about Franklin. "Praying for Aretha Franklin and her family right now!"