By Temitope Ojo

Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin’s is reportedly gravely sick.

Reports also have it that family and people close to her have gathered to say their goodbyes.

According to Showbiz 411, her family have appealed for “prayers and privacy” for the ‘Say A Little Prayer hitmaker’.

The 76-year-old soul legend, who last performed at the Elton John Aids Foundation party in New York in November, is said to be at her home in Detroit, where her loved ones have gathered.

Before then, Franklin last performed in Detroit in June 2017. It was an emotion-packed concert for thousands at an outdoor festival downtown. She ended the performance with a then-cryptic appeal to the hometown crowd: “Please keep me in your prayers.”

Franklin announced her plans to retire, saying she would perform at “some select things.”

In March, Franklin cancelled two concerts scheduled in New Jersey.

Meanwhile, Ciara, Missy Elliot and a host of other singers have sent in words of prayers to the legend with Missy Elliot saying: “My prayers are with Aretha Franklin and family during this difficult time.”