Beyonce and Jay-Z Dedicate Detroit Concert to Aretha Franklin
Ailing soul legend Aretha Franklin was in many people’s thoughts at the Detroit stop of Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s On The Run II tour on Monday night.
Opener DJ Khaled also added his voice to the tribute, leading the crowd in a sing along of Franklin’s 1967 hit “Respect,” according to fan videos from the event. “Make some noise for Aretha Franklin,” he said. Hours earlier, reports surfaced saying the 76-year-old Queen of Soul was seriously ill.
Beyoncé dedicated the whole show to Franklin.
“We love you and thank you,” she told the audience, per the Detroit Free Press. She described Franklin’s music as “beautiful.”
PEOPLE reported on Monday that Franklin was in a health crisis, with a friend of the artist explaining that the singer has “been ill for a long time” and her loved ones have been warned her “death is imminent.”
Later in the day, Franklin’s nephew Tim told PEOPLE that his aunt was surrounded by her loved ones and resting at home. “She’s alert, laughing, teasing, able to recognize people,” Tim said. “Family is there with her. She’s home.”