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Aretha Franklin Is in Good Spirits, Nephew Says

Aretha Franklin Is in Good Spirits, Nephew Says

Despite reports of her dire condition, Aretha Franklin is "alert, laughing, teasing," says her nephew Tim Franklin.

Aretha, 76, is "gravely ill" and receiving hospice care at home, surrounding by her family. 

While Tim tells People he hasn't seen his aunt in several days, he says she was in good spirits when last they spoke.

"I saw her a week ago Friday and we talked for about 45 minutes to an hour," he said. "My brother was there on Saturday, and she was alert, talking, laughing joking. She's watching TV, so God forbid she sees all of this 'Aretha's dead,' so I don't want to dampen her spirits on that."

Tim added that relatives are hopeful the Queen of Soul will get through this recent scare.

"We believe she'll pull through it, she believes she'll pull through it, and that's the important thing..." he said. "She's alert, laughing, teasing, able to recognize people. Family is there with her. She's home."

As news of Aretha's condition broke Sunday night and Monday morning, the singer's family asked for prayers and privacy. 


Photo: Getty Images