Today in Tha Wire, 76-year old music legend Aretha Franklin is reportedly on hospice care. According to CNN's Don Lemon, a source close to the iconic singer told him she was "gravely" ill. Franklin has always been guarded about her health, and has never really addressed questions regarding any sickness. All that's known is that the soul legend had been in declining health in recent years, and was advised by doctors to come off the road.

Her tour was halted and several shows were cancelled. After nearly 60 years in music, the soulful diva announced she was going to retire in early 2017.  CBS noted the queen said she would still perform select shows from time-to-time. She told a Detroit TV station, “I will be recording, but this will be my last year in concert. This is it.”

Evrod Cassimy, who said, he got a chance to speak to the star.

As word of Franklin's serious condition,celebrities and fans all over the world flocked to her
Twitter page, offering prayers and well wishes. There's no question what the
Queen of Soul means to music, the world and the fans that love her. She is truly irreplaceable. Therefore we too, are joining the nation in lifting her up in prayer and hoping for her speedy recovery. The queen's music is timeless, and her vocals are extraordinary. Who will ever forget her performance of
President Obama's inauguration.

PEOPLE reported a longtime friend of Franklin said, “She has been ill for a long time.” They said, “She did not want people to know and she didn’t make it public.”

PEOPLE reported two weeks ago family and friends were arriving in Detroit, to be at the music legends bedside. In spite of being extremely ill Franklin’s nephew, Tim Franklin, said they were trying to remain optimistic. He said, “I saw her a week ago Friday and we talked for about 45 minutes to an hour. My brother was there on Saturday and she was alert, talking, laughing, joking.”

Tim Franklin also told the magazine,“She’s watching TV, so god forbid she sees all of this ‘Aretha’s dead,’ so I don’t want to dampen her spirits on that.” Her family asked for prayers and privacy. Her longtime publicist, Gwendolyn Quinn, said “Aretha Franklin has been the Matriarch of the Franklin family since the passing of all of her sibling.” she continued, “The love she has for her family is above reproach and was evident in the warm smiles she was able to share with her nephew during his very brief visit two weeks ago.” Adding, “She is seriously ill and surrounded by family members who appreciate the outpouring of love and support they have received.”

We sincerely hope for the Queen of Soul to make a speedy recovery, send her our prayers and best wishes. As always I will keep you posted on further details concerning this story.

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