Beyonce Dedicates Detroit ‘OTR II’ Show to Aretha Franklin

Singer pays icon “R-E-S-P-E-C-T”

beyonce aretha franklin
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Aretha Franklin is “seriously ill,” according to the Associated Press, a shocking development that sparked fans and friends alike to pay tribute and send love to the legendary singer. One of those was Beyonce, who used her Detroit concert to honor the Queen of Soul in her own hometown.

Queen Bey appeared at Ford Field with husband Jay-Z, where the Detroit Free Press reports she told a 40,000-plus crowd at the “On the Run II” show, “We love you,” of Franklin, dedicating her performance to the R&B and soul singer. Knowles also thanked her for “the beautiful music.”

But Beyonce wasn’t the only one to address Franklin’s ill health that night, with the Free Press reporting opening act DJ Khaled performed Franklin’s “Respect.”

A person with direct knowledge of Franklin’s condition spoke to the outlet on the condition of anonymity, providing no further information. A spokesperson for Franklin has not yet responded to TheWrap’s request for comment.

According to WDIV Local 4 in Detroit, Franklin is “gravely ill.” Evrod Cassimy, WDIV Morning Anchor and a “good friend” of Franklin’s, tweeted Monday that he spoke to her family members this morning and that Franklin is asking “for your prayers at this time.”

Later, he tweeted, “Just got a chance to speak to Aretha Franklin. She is resting and surrounded by close friends and family.”

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