Artist News

Aretha Franklin’s family confirm she is “seriously ill” but in “good spirits”

By | Published on Wednesday 15 August 2018

Aretha Franklin

The family of Aretha Franklin have confirmed media reports that she is “seriously ill”, while thanking fans for the “love and support” they have shown in recent days.

The queen of soul’s publicist told People magazine: “Aretha Franklin has been the matriarch of the Franklin family since the passing of all of her siblings. 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. She is seriously ill and surrounded by family members who appreciate the outpouring of love and support they have received”.

Nephew Tim Franklin also spoke to the US magazine, stating that his aunt is in “good spirits”. “She’s alert, laughing, teasing, able to recognise people”, 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”.

He added that the family remain optimistic, saying: “We believe she’ll pull through it, she believes she’ll pull through it, and that’s the important thing”.



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