Aretha Franklin is the Queen of Soul. The legendary singer influenced the entire music industry for the last five decades, but it looks like she has finally reached the end of her road. According to TMZ, Franklin's battle with cancer is coming to an end. Her closest friends and family members are gathering to wish her their final goodbyes as her condition gets worse.
Franklin has been keeping a low profile in recent years as her health deteriorated. In 2011, rumors hit the web that Franklin was suffering from cancer, but she has denied such reports. The legendary performer has slowed her roll due to her health, and her last performance was in November at Elton John's AIDS Foundation event. Sources close to Franklin told TMZ that she has fallen under 90 pounds, and that they were told to "prepare yourself, she's dying." "She could go any time," they added. Roland Martin, a close friend of Franklin, took to Twitter to address the ongoing press coverage regarding her health.
"Many of you are asking me to confirm the health status of @ArethaFranklin. Folks, I’ve known for several months," he wrote. "The Queen is surrounded by loved ones. That’s all I will say for now. Please keep her, the family and her longtime support staff in your prayers."