Aretha Franklin Reportedly in Hospice Care

Details
Category: World News
Published on Monday, 13 August 2018 20:21
Written by Janet Walker

Aretha Franklin, The Queen of Soul, 76, is reportedly in grave condition surrounded by friends and family at her Detroit home. After the news of her "imminent death" broke media outlets independently confirmed the story.

The singer, 76, who has been dogged by rumors of health problems brought on by cancer and other related issues since 2011 Reportedly her weight had fallen under 100lbs and she appeared frail. Franklin has not addressed the rumors, confirmed or denied any aggravated health issues.

Whitney Review - Beautiful, Sentimental and Heartbreakingly Honest

Social media erupted early Monday morning, with the initial post from WDIV Morning Anchor Evrod Cassimy, said "BREAKING NEWS: 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."

Following up on the early morning news he also posted, "Just got a chance to speak with Aretha Franklin. She is resting and surrounded by close friends an family. More details on Local 4 News at 12pm.

Franklin, who has been working in a semi-retired state, recording a new studio album accompanied by a limited tour and engagements, had to recently cut back from traveling.

For more than a half a century, Franklin has been one of the top producing female R&B artists. She tops the charts as the third most awarded female artist in Grammy history.

She began her career signing gospel at her the New Bethal Baptist church where her father ministered. She worked with Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section founder Rick Hall on one song "I Never Loved a Man (the way I love you)" which established her as the Queen of Soul. The relationship exploded as did the single and her place in history was set and she never went back.

Muscle Shoals Review – An All Access Pass into Rock and Roll History

She continued to shake up the industry with her sultry sounds, her vocal range and ability to bring the house to their feet. Her talent is legendary, she transformed the soul and R&B world.

Her work with Jerry Wexler, also a story on its own, produced hits like "Natural Women" and "RESPECT" and the two went on to collaborate on 14 albums and Ms. Franklin stayed with Wexler throughout her career.

Seeing Aretha singing "Natural Women" paying tribute to Kennedy Center Honoree Carole King, who along with Gerry Goffin wrote the song, brought then President Obama to tears and the audiences to their feet. It was a magical moment in history.

Tributes from fans, colleagues and celebrities have led social media throughout the day.

Godspeed, Aretha. 

Image courtesy of Aretha Franklin Facebook page.

Haute News

Haute Tease

  • Real Estate: Union House San Francisco

    Situated in one of San Francisco's most coveted neighborhoods, Union House San Francisco is a modern icon of urban architecture boasting scenic views of the city, the San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge.

     

  • Homicide Ruling in Staten Island Choke Victim Case

    The death of Eric Garner, 43, the Staten Island father of two choked to death by New York Police Officers after being detained on a city street, has been ruled a homicide by the New York City Medical Examiner.

     

  • Gifts Guaranteed to Please a Trend-Loving Teen

    Let’s be honest, today’s trend-focused teens can be hard to please. Sure, well-intended gifters can play it safe and go the gift card route but, in addition to these cards being decidedly boring to receive, they’re also easily lost and often forgotten.

     

  • Une Histoire Sans Fin

    L'offensive menée par le Hamas contre Israël s'inscrit dans la lignée des agressions antérieures menées de part et d'autre de la frontière du Liban Sud. Mais elle confirme aussi l'état de guerre permanent de l'État Hébreu depuis 1948 et augure d'un XXIème siècle aussi tendu que le précédent.  

  • L'axe Européen Change Aalors Que La France Et l'Allemagne Émergent En Tant Que Leaders De L'ue

    Le plan de relance économique destiné à revitaliser l'Union européenne déstabilisée par la crise du Covid-19 a révélé la forte influence de la fusion franco-allemande alors que les deux principales économies de la zone euro, se préparent à diriger l'avenir.  

  • Music: Graham Nash Releases New Studio Album, Announces Tour Dates

    Two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and founding member of both the Hollies and Crosby, Stills & Nash, Graham Nash returns with his first studio album in seven years, titled "Now," dropping in May on BMG.