Aretha Franklin, one of the most talented and beloved singers in American history, is reportedly gravely ill. The AP reported that Jesse Jackson and Stevie Wonder have gone to visit the singer, who, sadly, seems to be reaching the end of her storied life with CNN reporting she’s receiving hospice care at home, and TMZ has reported that the singer has cancer.
I mean, what a voice Franklin had as a young woman. She was still quite the amazing singer later in life as well, though she retired from performing earlier this year due to health issues. Her nephew Tim gave People an update on her condition on Tuesday, reminding people she’s not dead yet and the family is hoping she can still recover. If not, at least her last days will be with friends and family.
“She’s alert, laughing, teasing, able to recognize people,” Franklin’s nephew Tim Franklin tells PEOPLE following the news of the 76-year-old star’s illness Monday.
“Family is there with her,” he said. “She’s home.”
“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 continued. “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.”
There has been an outpouring of love for Franklin. Jay-Z and Beyonce dedicated their latest concert to her, and many celebrities used Twitter to send love, prayers and good will.
Like people all around the world, Hillary and I are thinking about Aretha Franklin tonight & listening to her music that has been such an important part of our lives the last 50 years. We hope you’ll lift her up by listening and sharing her songs that have meant the most to you.
— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) August 14, 2018
Love and prayers for Aretha Franklin. The most soulful angelic voice that ever was. You are the queen and we love you. ❤️
— Sheryl Crow (@SherylCrow) August 14, 2018
Before we go to sleep, let’s offer a thought or a prayer, for @ArethaFranklin. Truly one of the most magnificent voices and artists to grace us. Ever.
— Wayne Brady (@WayneBrady) August 14, 2018
She is amazing now, then and always. No one can touch the Queen of Soul. My positive thoughts are going to her right now. Love you @ArethaFranklin https://t.co/tUyIEB8vSV
— Peter Frampton (@peterframpton) August 14, 2018
Praying for the Queen of Soul 🙏🙏 #ArethaFranklin pic.twitter.com/5cfNPrQrq3
— Mariah Carey (@MariahCarey) August 13, 2018
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
My thoughts, my heart and my prayers are with Aretha Franklin, the greatest singer of all time, and all of her loved ones right now. ❤
— Patti LaBelle (@MsPattiPatti) August 14, 2018
Praying for the Queen @ArethaFranklin tonight. True LEGEND!!! Love U Aretha!!
— Darius Rucker (@dariusrucker) August 15, 2018
Sending love and light to Aretha Franklin, the true Queen of Soul both inside and out. Her inspiring voice has touched so many for so long. We love you.
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) August 14, 2018