Aretha Franklin: 'Resting and surrounded by family and friends'

'The Queen of Soul' gravely ill in Detroit

DETROIT – "The Queen of Soul" Aretha Franklin is gravely ill in Detroit, but is resting and surrounded by family and friends, the legendary singer tells Local 4.

Friends on behalf of Franklin spoke to Local 4's Evrod Cassimy on Monday morning after reporting the iconic singer is gravely ill in Detroit.

Friends told Cassimy that she is "resting," and is "surrounded by family and friends."

Franklin, 76, was born in Memphis, Tenn. in 1942, the daughter of the famous pastor and civil rights activist C. L. Franklin. When Aretha was just 2 the family left Memphis for New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit, and a Motor City legend was ready to be born.

Related: Tributes, prayers pour in for 'Queen of Soul' Aretha Franklin

Franklin has the third-most Grammy Awards for any female artist in history. 

In an interview last year, Franklin said she had plans to "retire" after the release of her new album.

Franklin spent 56 years as a legendary singer and songwriter.

"This will be my last year," Franklin said. "I will be recording, but this will be my last year in concert. This is it."

She was not retiring completely. She said she would do "some select things, many one a month, for six months out of the year." But she said her grandchildren are leaving for college and she wants to spend time with them.

MORE: Quick facts about Aretha Franklin, 'The Queen of Soul'


About the Authors:

Ken Haddad has proudly been with WDIV/ClickOnDetroit since 2013. He also authors the Morning Report Newsletter and various other newsletters, and helps lead the WDIV Insider team. He's a big sports fan and is constantly sipping Lions Kool-Aid.