Aretha Franklin who popularized the hit song ‘Respect’ died of pancreatic cancer
Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin had pancreatic cancer which resulted to her death at the age of 76.
Reportedly, the famous singer had been suffering from health issues but refused to divulge her situation to the public.
Based on the article published in People, a source close to her said “She has been ill for a long time. She did not want people to know and she didn’t make it public.”
Roger Friedman, Showbiz 411 reporter, was the first to announce that Aretha was gravely ill and that her family were asking for prayers.
Last year of February, the singer who popularized the song ‘Respect’, revealed that she was retiring from music. “I will be recording, but this will be my last year in concert. This is it,” she said.
However, she said that she will be performing on selected events.
She continued to perform despite her failing health and the noticeable changes in her appearance.
A source from her camp said “Aretha Franklin has been ordered by her doctor to stay off the road and rest completely for at least the next two month.”
In April 2011, she said in an interview that she feels fabulous after being hospitalized for an unspecified operation. She denied having bariatric surgery nor address the rumors that she had cancer.
On the other hand, she lost 85 lbs and that caused concern about her well-being.
Aretha Franklin’s first chart-topper was ‘Respect’ back in 1967. Following that, her career soared high.
She notched 77 Hot 100 chart entries and 18 Grammys out of 44 nominations. In 1987, she was inducted as the first woman to be included in .
Rolling Stone also named her as the the Greatest Singer of All Time, based on the article.