Stevie Wonder among stars to visit 'gravely ill' Aretha Franklin at her home

Aretha Franklin is said to be gravely ill in hospital
Associated Newspapers
Fiona Simpson15 August 2018
The Weekender

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Stevie Wonder is among musical legends to visiting seriously ill soul star Aretha Franklin.

Reverend Jesse Jackson and Franklin's ex-husband, actor Glynn Turman also visited the Queen of Soul, 76, who is understood to be fighting for her life following a lengthy cancer battle but is staying in her Michigan home.

According to CNN’s Don Lemon, sources suggest that the iconic singer is currently receiving hospice care and her family will make all further announcements.

Franklin cancelled planned concerts earlier this year after she was ordered by her doctor to stay off the road and rest up.

She announced plans to retire last year, saying she would perform at "some select things".

Stevie Wonder has visited Aretha Franklin at home
PA

Fans, friends and musicians influenced by Franklin offered positive words to the iconic singer when news broke that she was ill, including Rod Stewart, Mariah Carey, Chaka Khan, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Tyler Perry, Missy Elliott and Wayne Brady.

At her concert in Detroit on Monday night with Jay-Z, Beyonce thanked Franklin for her "beautiful music" and said "we love you".

Aretha Franklin - In pictures

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Former US President Bill Clinton tweeted that he and Hillary Clinton "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," Mr Clinton wrote.

In an interview with the AP on Monday, Emmy-winning actor Sterling K Brown said: "May I wish the Queen of Soul all the best."

"Your music has moved and inspired a generation," he added, "so my prayers are with you. Wishing you all the best, queen."

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