In a March 4, 2015, file photo, singer Aretha Franklin is interviewed after a taping for American Idol XIV at The Fillmore Detroit. Image: AP
News of “Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin being gravely ill has compelled many admirers, celebrities and non-celebrities alike, to take to social media to offer their support and pay homage to the legendary singer.
Known for songs such as “Respect”, “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” and “I Say A Little Prayer”, among others, Franklin has long immortalized herself as a true icon of soul music thanks to her decades’ worth of experience and accolades, such as her 18 Grammy Awards and the first woman to ever be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The 76-year-old was first diagnosed with cancer in 2010 and marked her last performance in November 2017 for the Elton John AIDS Foundation. It was on Aug. 13, Monday, when news of Franklin being “gravely” ill first made the rounds on the internet, spreading like wildfire.
Today, thousands have given their support and thoughts to Franklin, hoping that the “Queen of Soul” would once again bounce back.
“Songbird Supreme” Mariah Carey took to Twitter on Aug. 13 to pay tribute to Franklin, sharing a picture of the latter during her younger years.
“Praying for the Queen of Soul,” Carey wrote.
Praying for the Queen of Soul 🙏🙏 #ArethaFranklin pic.twitter.com/5cfNPrQrq3
— Mariah Carey (@MariahCarey) August 13, 2018
One-third of girl group Destiny’s Child Kelly Rowland also took to Twitter to send her prayers to Franklin.
“Sending my heartfelt prayers to the incomparable Aretha Franklin,” said Rowland.
Sending my heartfelt prayers to the incomparable Aretha Franklin.
— KELENDRIA ROWLAND (@KELLYROWLAND) August 14, 2018
Ernest Owens, a journalist for CNN, meanwhile shared a news clipping of Franklin posting bail for political prisoner Angela Davis back in 1970, showing that she is more than just a singer.
“NEVER FORGET: She may have been glamorous, but she was always woke,” wrote Owens on Aug. 13. “In 1970, Aretha Franklin was out here posting bail for political prisoners like Angela Davis.”
NEVER FORGET: She may have been glamorous, but she was always woke. In 1970, Aretha Franklin was out here posting bail for political prisoners like Angela Davis. pic.twitter.com/547muFyEHU
— Ernest Owens (@MrErnestOwens) August 13, 2018
Actor Eric Braden, meanwhile, was crestfallen over the news.
“It has come to my attention that the GREAT ARETHA FRANKLIN is fighting for her life!!” expressed Braeden on Twitter on Aug. 14. “It saddens me greatly! We have a mutual respect and affection for each other!”
“I shall NEVER forget her gracious invitation to present the EMMY with her at Radio City Music Hall,” Braeden added. “1 of THE GREATS!!”
It has come to my attention that the GREAT ARETHA FRANKLIN is fighting for her life!! It saddens me greatly! We have a mutual respect and affection for each other! I shall NEVER forget her gracious invitation to present the EMMY with her at Radio City Music Hall! 1of THE GREATS!!
— Eric Braeden (@EBraeden) August 14, 2018
Rapper Missy Elliott, too, offered her prayers to Franklin’s family.
“My prayers are with Aretha Franklin & her family during this difficult time,” wrote Elliott on Aug. 13 via her Twitter account. “LOOK BELOW @ what I tweeted at the top of the year we MUST CELEBRATE the Living Legends while they are here to see it. So many have given us decades of Timeless music…”
My prayers are with Aretha Franklin & her family during this difficult time 🙏🏾 LOOK BELOW @ what I tweeted at the top of the year we MUST CELEBRATE the Living Legends while they are here to see it. So many have given us decades of Timeless music…❤️ https://t.co/VVacLxcMSI
— Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) August 13, 2018
In a CNN report on Aug. 14, it was made known that Franklin is in hospice care at her home in Detroit. Say a little prayer for Aretha. NVG
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