Everyone from music industry superstars to her many fans are sending prayers to Aretha Franklin and her family, as reports today have been saying the death of the Queen of Soul is imminent.
Family members confirmed the sad news earlier today and requested privacy. Sources also said she has been ill for some time and that she had not wanted the news to be public. There is also still no word of what illness she's been suffering from, although speculation has said it's pancreatic cancer.
Aretha was still working until earlier this year, recording an album expected in November and had scheduled special concert dates this spring, that were later cancelled on doctor's orders.
The R&B icon's last appearance in the Chicago area was last September at Ravinia Festival.