Aretha Franklin, one of the most popular and influential musicians of all time, is "gravely ill," according to WDIV Local 4 in Detroit, her hometown.
On Monday morning, the outlet reported that the 76-year-old singer was requesting prayers in the face of her unspecified illness.
Veteran journalist Roland S. Martin also took to Twitter on Monday to confirm the Queen of Soul's illness, saying that he's known of her failing health for months and reporting that she is currently surrounded by loved ones.
Franklin announced her retirement in an interview with WDIV in February 2017, in which she talked about a new album, which has yet to be released.
"This will be my last year," she said of touring. "I will be recording, but this will be my last year in concert. This is it."
In November, a fragile-looking Franklin sang at the Elton John AIDS Foundation New York Fall Gala, her final public performance to date.
TMZ alleged on Monday that the artist is suffering from cancer.
Representatives for Franklin did not immediately respond to The Times' request for comment Monday morning.
