Prayer vigil was held for Aretha [Archive]

midnightman

12-02-2010, 12:18 AM

I can't even believe I'm typing this, this is sad! :[[

Prayer vigil held for ailing Aretha Franklin

The Associated Press
Wednesday, December 1, 2010; 9:45 PM

DETROIT -- A community prayer vigil has been held in Detroit for Aretha Franklin, a day before organizers say the singing legend is to undergo a medical procedure.

City Councilwoman JoAnn Watson and others gathered downtown Wednesday to pray for Franklin. Last month, she announced she was canceling all concert dates and personal appearances through May on the orders of her doctors.

Franklin wasn't at the vigil, but in a statement she thanked the City Council, saying "all prayers are good."

A news release announcing the vigil says Franklin's medical procedure is scheduled for Thursday. A message seeking comment was left with Franklin's publicist, Tracey Jordan.

LINK: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/01/AR2010120107136.html

jobeterob

12-02-2010, 01:33 AM

Hope she's going to be OK; there is no more news than what Midnight gave us, for now.

glencro

12-02-2010, 02:55 AM

About a week ago a friend told me that she was not doing well at all. I chose not to post because I wasn't sure if the news was just hearsay. I didn't want to set off any unnecessary alarms. I know that she wasn't at her gospel event in Detroit on Thanksgiving night but the event still went on. Will keep her in my prayers.

midnightman

12-02-2010, 03:10 AM

^ I was about to ask did she even make it to the dinner? Now that's bad when the host can't make it. You know something is seriously wrong. I'm playing "Call Me" and I'm still in disbelief that we may end up losing Aretha. :[[

soulster

12-02-2010, 05:31 AM

This all sounds very cryptic. It's also very confusing. Her performances were abruptly canceled until May, her prayer vigil was held, so, i'm wondering what the hell it is, and if it is grave, or just extremely serious. Has there been any disclosure of exactly what the medical situation is? Sorry to sound cold, but it's hard for me to get worked up about something we don't know about.

jobeterob

12-02-2010, 12:19 PM

I looked last night ~ nothing more. I guess I understand what you are saying Soulster; these days you never know why people are saying and doing things.

ladyvanaye

12-02-2010, 01:27 PM

Whats so hard to understand? Aretha has always been a private person and probably has instructed her PR people not to put her business out there. We know as much as what has been put out there, we will have to deal with that. If you know how to pray , then do that. Her dates were canceled for a obvious reason: 'Recovery time from a medical procedure'. God bless you Aretha, what ever it is - the battle is not ours, ITS THE LORDS. GOD BLESS US ALL.

jobeterob

12-02-2010, 01:49 PM

I'm not sure how private she really is at all times; remember Tina Turner, Beyonce and the Queen of Soul?

If you want to stay really quiet, you say nothing.

midnightman

12-02-2010, 02:53 PM

^ That's not the same thing. That was actually the only time Aretha PUBLICLY cracked like that. It was an open secret beforehand that Aretha was not very nice [[least to fellow contemporary female vocalists with the exception of some Detroit legends like Diana Ross for instance; though I heard she had disdain for Martha Reeves covering "Respect" on her and the Vandellas' live album). But that time when she let it be known, it was almost as if she reached that point where she didn't give a diddly squat about how she would be portrayed at that time. I mean you only hear about her problems like second thoughts [[getting arrested for public intoxication one time in 1968, then getting arrested again for disturbing the peace in 1969, an alcoholic problem that continued until the early 1990s, an addiction to chain smoking that lasted until 1992, possible prescription drug abuse, cocaine, binging on food, etc.). I just think for someone to be "cold", she went through some mental, emotional, and psychological abuse that left her defensive and seemingly mean when this is the only way she could confront her problems was through attacking those who admire her [[she once called Mahalia Jackson a "b***h" for not wanting to help her minister father, with whom Mahalia was once close to, avoid a conviction on cocaine charges and about two years after that, Mahalia died without her and Aretha - who sang at her funeral - reconciling their differences). Aretha has a whole lot of demons. That voice that you hear on those records wasn't just from someone who had a great voice, there's pain in it, there's torment in it, there's confusion, all the symptoms of someone whose life was possibly a circus. She falls into that category of artists who have mad talent but are deemed maniacal.

I think her reasons to keep things private in HER SITUATIONS had to do with being upset that TIME magazine told the story of Aretha's mother abandoning her at six. Now that would drive any person crazy - a mother abandoning you or at least moving elsewhere and then having your grandmother carry the reins when your daddy has to work as a member of the clergy. We really don't know if Barbara Siggers simply abandoned her or was forced to leave without contact with her children that she had with C.L. Franklin and their marriage was volatile and abusive. So Aretha probably at one point did see them fighting. Aretha has seen a lot of things and she tries to cover it up.

So her covering up this "serious illness" is her way of keeping her privacy. She don't want to have her illness exploited to a media that may take her illness and try to find the reasons as to why it happened [[like Michael Jackson's). Aretha is a deeply troubled and complex woman. Despite her behavior and everything, I'm gonna still pray for her.

jobeterob

12-02-2010, 03:14 PM

http://www.clickondetroit.com/video/25976876/index.html

jobeterob

12-02-2010, 03:16 PM

[video]http://www.clickondetroit.com/video/25976876/index.html

I tried to throw this video on ................but won't seem to work right now. Maybe it will work for one of the rest of you.

imnokid

12-02-2010, 03:25 PM

I wonder if it's a gastric bypass. Anyone else wonder the same?

glencro

12-02-2010, 04:12 PM

They aired a clip of the vigil on the news this morning. The news stated that it was an undisclosed illness. Aretha has always been very private as stated above. I really doubt that it's gastric bypass. I don't want to spread false info but the same told me over a week ago that she was really ill said that it was [[AND THIS IS HEARSAY COMING FROM A FRIEND) cancerous, but I'm not sure but at any rate, let's continue to hold her up in prayer.

sunshineonacloudyday

12-02-2010, 09:44 PM

E online is reporting Aretha's awake after a "successful surgery" for an "undisclosed" ailment and thanking everyone for their prayers.. Great news!! Get well Miss Aretha and God Bless

marybrewster

12-02-2010, 09:50 PM

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/entertainment/post/2010/12/prayer-vigil-held-for-aretha-franklin-in-detroit/1?csp=usat.me

A community prayer vigil was held in Detroit yesterday for Aretha Franklin, 68, who is undergoing a medical procedure today.

UPDATE: We just got news from Franklin's publicist that the surgery went well, although no details as to the nature of the procedure were released. Here's the statement:

"The surgery was highly successful. God is still in control. I had superb doctors and nurses whom were blessed by all the prayers of the city and the country. God bless you all for your prayers!"

The Queen of Soul, Ms. Aretha Franklin

On Wednesday, City Councilwoman JoAnn Watson and others gathered in downtown Detroit to pray for Franklin, reports AP. Last month, Franklin announced she was canceling all concert dates and personal appearances through May on the orders of her doctors. She did not disclose the nature of her illness.

Franklin wasn't at the vigil, but in a statement she thanked the City Council, saying "all prayers are good."

WDIV in Detroit reported that Watson spoke to the singer before the vigil. "We asked her, 'Where would you like us to have it? Inside? Outside?' She said, 'Where the Detroit statue is — [that's] a beautiful place to have it,' " Watson told WDIV. "So we are standing, and praying, on her behalf, and it's a blessing to do that."

Watson told a reporter Franklin was in "great spirits."

On Wednesday, the National Recording Academy of Arts & Sciences announced that Franklin had been nominated for a Grammy Award for her duet with Ron Isley, You've Got A Friend, in the Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals category.

soulster

12-02-2010, 10:43 PM

The point I was trying to make is that it didn't sound serious enough for everyone to go overboard with something like a vigil. I grew up around medicine, and have had a lot of illness and death in my family, so when I hear reports of someone being "ill", I don't get too emotional until I know exactly what it is.

midnightman

12-02-2010, 11:02 PM

Something's still not adding up. Plus she hasn't been discharged from the hospital yet. I'm thinking it could be something unrelated to what is ailing her.

soulster

12-02-2010, 11:19 PM

Observation? She could afford an extra night's stay, unlike most of us who would have been discharged three hours after the procedure.

midnightman

12-03-2010, 02:29 AM

^ I guess. *shrug*

sunshineonacloudyday

12-03-2010, 05:56 AM

Like midnightman, I've also wondered about Aretha's personal "demons", dysfunctional behavior. She had her first child when she was still a child [[who was looking after her ?) This is skipped over in her autobiography. No doubt about it, the pain and pathos she's endured is expressed in her music--yet she sings joyful songs with equal conviction!

A self-described diva [[an Aries), I see Aretha's behavior toward other female performers as fircely competitive rather than mean. LOL....she probably heard Martha Reeves sing "Respect", and said, "OK, I'm gonna do Martha's song then"--and she sung "My Baby Loves Me" live.

In spite of her seeming cockiness, I think Aretha has a wicked sense of humor about her own majesty bordering on camp. I hope she heals quickly and gets her sassy self back. Love you Aretha!

midnightman

12-03-2010, 03:06 PM

^ Yeah I noticed that about her. Especially when she imitated Diana one time [[Diana covered "Call Me" and Aretha responded by doing "Reach Out" live somewhere lmao).

But here's a recent picture of Aretha where she last performed:

http://www.gospelmusicbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/aretha-franklin_picnik.jpg

It was at Albertina Walker's funeral. This was the last performance Aretha gave before she was told to stop touring for six months.

bankhousedave

12-03-2010, 05:15 PM

Good news from AOL tonight. Ree's surgery has been a success and she has issued her own statement thanking those who payed for her.

jobeterob

12-03-2010, 07:58 PM

So what was it? I've been busy the last couple days and didn't hear. I heard gastric bypass and some heart procedure.

For my part, some of this looks a little "set up" to generate some publicity; cynical but looks like it's possible.

I recently read that Dennis Edwards duets with Aretha on her new album; and he says the single could go to #1. And he said the CD never gets released because Aretha has a studio in her home and keeps changing it all the time.

midnightman

12-03-2010, 09:02 PM

^ Rob, I don't even believe they would pull a vigil if she was going through gastric bypass.

PLUS, she broke two ribs, do you actually think in that picture I just posted that this was a woman who would FAKE an illness?

I doubt she did this for publicity.

Besides HER PR is not being clear what the procedure was and as far as I know, I've seen so many stories of artists who suffer illness, they'll have successful surgery on a procedure than months later, you read that they died.

So I don't know why Aretha should be singled out. Like I said more is going on than what is revealed and Aretha's folks are still not saying what she has.

glencro

12-03-2010, 09:04 PM

To be told by a doctor not to perform for 6 months and to miss your own event, even though it goes on has to be more than just a publicity stunt or gastric bypass...hope she gets well soon

marv2

12-03-2010, 09:05 PM

All I know is I saw the wonderful news on CNN today and I am very happy. God Bless Aretha!!!

carlo

12-03-2010, 10:11 PM

For my part, some of this looks a little "set up" to generate some publicity; cynical but looks like it's possible.

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e177/Carlo89/roll_eyes.jpg

midnightman

12-03-2010, 10:51 PM

To be told by a doctor not to perform for 6 months and to miss your own event, even though it goes on has to be more than just a publicity stunt or gastric bypass...hope she gets well soon

Exactly. Let's just hope she recovers well to continue to perform for us for years from now though tomorrow's not promised.

jaybs

12-04-2010, 05:08 AM

I find it sad that some feel Aretha would be so cynical, I Trust she will make a quick and full recovery, J

ladyvanaye

12-04-2010, 09:49 AM

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e177/Carlo89/roll_eyes.jpg

Hi Carlo...lol!

stephanie

12-04-2010, 10:39 AM

Aretha does not need publicity! Her reputation alone speaks for itself.

luke

12-04-2010, 05:27 PM

I just dont understand why her PR called a news conference considering all the privacy now , to announce she was ok when no one knew she was sick!!???

arrr&bee

12-04-2010, 07:11 PM

I hope the queen is ok,i don't like that[prayer vigil]stuff,i know folks mean well but when i hear that stuff i see buzzards flying...[and i haven't had a drop...yet]!

jillfoster

12-04-2010, 10:48 PM

Aretha does not need publicity! Her reputation alone speaks for itself.

How true...... I know everyone keeps wondering what it was, but it really is none of our business, although I have no problem talking about my medical stuff, some people do. I am secretly hoping that she is getting those ginormous titties pruned back, I think she'd feel much better if she did, but I wouldn't lay money on it.

jobeterob

12-05-2010, 12:12 AM

Jillfoster!!! You're a bad one from time to time and very funny.

If I had boobs, big or small, I would let them be. But Aretha has them going as big as they ever get.

Luke has made the point well here: "I just dont understand why her PR called a news conference considering all the privacy now , to announce she was ok when no one knew she was sick!!???

It doesn't make any sense.

But Aretha does things her way, how she darn well wants.

midnightman

12-05-2010, 12:55 AM

I just dont understand why her PR called a news conference considering all the privacy now , to announce she was ok when no one knew she was sick!!???

I don't get that either. And obviously something deeper is going on than is being known. The only other update we got was Jesse Jackson visiting her. He basically was following the PR angle: "she's doing fine."

johnjeb

12-05-2010, 10:04 AM

What is not being said here is that Aretha is always at high-risk for her health due to her morbid obesity, even if it's just a cold.

Any surgery has its' risks. Surgery for a morbidly obese person is of greater risk. She may have had to cancel shows leading up to the surgery to monitor her health and/or stabilize any pre-existing conditions, of which obesity is one of these.

Likewise recovery has it's own risks and would be complicated for the same reason.

If she had a procedure, such as gall-bladder surgery, that for a healthy person would be simple, for Aretha it would be risky and possibly life-threatening.

If her diagnosis was far more serious, such as cancer, then there are the follow-up treatments that are of concern, as well. These can go one for weeks or months and can leave a patient feeling worse than the days just after surgery.

Five years ago my sister had a breast cancer diagnosis. Fortunately a mild and curable form. She was out of work for three months to undergo a mastectomy and reconstructive surgeries and only 6 chemotherapy treatments. She was in good physical health which was in her favor. She is well now and finally off her chemo oral medication.

So maybe this situation gave Aretha a reality check regarding her obesity. I certainly hope it was nothing more than a routine procedure for a minor ailment.

BTW I saw Aretha this past summer. I thought she looked less obese than what we see in pictures and on TV - I was pleasantly surprised. However she is still clinically morbidly obese.

stephanie

12-05-2010, 10:19 AM

with all of the secrecy it is not a gastric bypass she wouldnt have cancelled that many performances for something like that. I hope Aretha is ok.
Steph

motown4ever

12-05-2010, 11:47 AM

If it was a gastric bypass just speculation mind you, something didn't set right so I asked by sister who is an RN. She works with patients who have had the gastric bypass procedure. The age factor dosen't fit in Aretha's case. The general cut-off point is 60-62 yrs of age. Our oldest 1st cousin had one at age of 59 and that was 4 yrs ago with some success. The weight came off but she had complications due to years of obesity & smoking [[which she had stopped a few yrs prior to surgury). One of the doctors who works with my sister added that patient with wealth and access could however find a surgeon willing to perform the procedure. He however would not.

MY heart and prayers go out to Aretha Franklin...long live the Queen!!! My sister loves Aretha Franklin & Aretha can do no wrong in her book. God Bless.

soulster

12-05-2010, 05:59 PM

She is obese, but not morbidly.

midnightman

12-05-2010, 07:57 PM

http://www.clickondetroit.com/video/26001238/index.html

"She is going through a severe health challenge, perhaps the greatest of her life." - radio personality Mildred Gaddid.

soulster

12-05-2010, 10:44 PM

Still, I understand the need for privacy, but why even announce anything if you want to keep it quiet?

midnightman

12-06-2010, 12:08 AM

Yeah it's real difficult to try to contrast the two differences together.

jobeterob

12-06-2010, 12:22 AM

chidrummer

12-06-2010, 01:05 PM

Just heard on the news here that Aretha's surgery has gone well and that she is recovering. She thanks all who sent their prayers and well wishes

midnightman

12-06-2010, 03:28 PM

You only announce things when you don't want it to be private. That's what's all wrong here.

Soul............truthfully, if Aretha Franklin is not morbidly obese, then how can anybody be? She's a great singer but isn't she also about as big as a person can get?

I've seen some morbidly obese people... Aretha - THANK GOD - doesn't fit the description if you know what I mean. I've seen some morbidly obese people and they can hardly get out of the bed!

soulster

12-06-2010, 03:41 PM

You only announce things when you don't want it to be private. That's what's all wrong here.

Soul............truthfully, if Aretha Franklin is not morbidly obese, then how can anybody be? She's a great singer but isn't she also about as big as a person can get?
Well, each culture has it's own standards of what obese is. In some countries, Aretha would be very desirable. And, there are plenty of chubby chasers. In some countries, toothpick thin, and women with no female attributes is more desirable.

Here's your woman! :D

marv2

12-06-2010, 03:54 PM

This a picture of Aretha from earlier this year at the Tony Awards. I believe it was in the Spring or early Summer. She is not morbidly obese. She has lost weight.

jobeterob

12-06-2010, 06:57 PM

LOL.......you made that point well, Soulster! I clearly understand the difference.

One more question..........the man on the bottom, "is he a passa away?"

midnightman

12-06-2010, 08:09 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SPA9QOvKDA

You can tell she's lost weight around her face too. Her weight in total has also fluctuated in recent months.

carlo

12-06-2010, 10:06 PM

I think you're right, Marv. When I saw some of these recent pics of Aretha, I also noticed that she may have lost some weight.

marybrewster

12-07-2010, 10:14 AM

Just a thought:

In most cases, when someone has bypass surgery, they must first lose weight; I am not sure of the reasoning, but I have had three friends that have had this procedure, and in all three of their cases, they were on a strict diet for quite some time beforehand. Maybe this explains Ree Ree's weight loss?

Also: is Ree a diabetic? It's my understanding that having this procedure will "cure" [[or at least curb) symptoms.

midnightman

12-07-2010, 02:36 PM

It's just speculation. But like I said I don't know anyone who holds a vigil for bypass surgery unless she had chest pains and needed triple bypass, you know? It's all speculation as we still don't know what's ailing her at the moment.

chidrummer

12-07-2010, 03:13 PM

Just for clarity's sake, this is the generally accepted definition of Morbid Obesity:

Condition of being extremely overweight. Morbid Obesity is defined as having a BMI greater than 40. It may also be defined as being more than 100 pounds overweight if a male, or being more than 80 pounds overweight if a female.

With that in mind, Aretha is about 5' 5". So if her weight exceeds 240lbs, then she would fit the medical definition of being morbidly obese.

marv2

12-07-2010, 04:28 PM

jillfoster

12-07-2010, 09:01 PM

But she ain't 240lbs and she ain't morbidly obese. Thanks Chi Drummer.

Looking at her, Marv... I think now she is probably between 220 and 240. I think a couple years ago, she was a good 300. Mama Cass weighed 300 pounds at her heaviest, and 180 at her lightest... to give you frame of reference.

marv2

12-07-2010, 09:18 PM

Looking at her, Marv... I think now she is probably between 220 and 240. I think a couple years ago, she was a good 300. Mama Cass weighed 300 pounds at her heaviest, and 180 at her lightest... to give you frame of reference.

Jill, you really think Aretha weighs that much?

ralpht

12-07-2010, 09:42 PM

I think Jill has it about right on this matter, Marv. I was concerned for Aretha regarding her obvious over-weight condition.

sunshineonacloudyday

12-07-2010, 11:20 PM

Remember that Aretha was hospitalized in early November for a "mystery illness." This recent surgical procedure may have had something to do with that. I think the gastric bypass theory is way off.

jillfoster

12-08-2010, 12:22 AM

Jill, you really think Aretha weighs that much?

Yeah, Marv... I do. My sister weighs 300 pounds, and she is definately the same size Aretha has been. But like most have said here, she's lost a noticeable amount of weight the last several months. Just guessing, i'd say in the 50-70 pound range.

jobeterob

12-08-2010, 01:57 AM

My only real knowledge of weight is one of my secretaries is 299; she is about 5'5" and she does look like Aretha did in the past, but Aretha has bigger gazzoomers. But she has lost weight.

I can't quite see Aretha doing the gastric thing or breast reduction at her age unless it is all causing her too much physical discomfort.

It's a bit silly to issue press releases and hold news conference to say it's all a secret..........; if it really was, just don't say anything.

Hmmmm..........on the other hand, I think we've had that on SD before too............

stingbeelee

12-08-2010, 11:59 AM

From the Detroit News today 120810:
Smokey Robinson says Aretha is doing better.
Singer Smokey Robinson says that Aretha Franklin is feeling better after her recent surgery and will be discharged from the hospital soon. Robinson phoned up his former neighbor from Detroit's North End on Sunday night, while he was in a limo on his way to the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. for the Kennedy Center honors, according to the Associated Press. Robinson, whom Franklin has called her "sandbox friend", they go back so far, says he called Franklin because it is the first Kennedy Center honors program he's attended without her. He did not disclose the nature of the Queen of Soul's illness, which she has kept private as she recovers.
http://www.detnews.com/article/20101208/ENT04/12080373/Smokey-Robinson-says-Aretha-is-doing-better

nysister

12-08-2010, 01:48 PM

Huffington Post is reporting that the Queen has pancreatic cancer. I know cancer runs in her family but If true, I am so sad.

midnightman

12-08-2010, 01:55 PM

^ Yeah. And if I'm not mistaken, the source of this was the same who confirmed that Michael Landon and Patrick Swayze ALSO had pancreatic cancer [[the Enquirer). Most of the time they're known for outlandish, often bizarre stories of celebrities' private lives but something tells me they may not be making it up. I think knowing her celebrity, Aretha couldn't make everything "private". I know her people are still being mum about it.

midnightman

12-08-2010, 01:57 PM

Pancreatic cancer is often an incurable and inoperable disease. Now whether or not I believe that Aretha only has one year to live [[that's probably the embellishment of the story), I can actually believe the cancer report. It's a sad day in music, it really is.

We're still praying for you Ree-Ree!

jobeterob

12-08-2010, 02:34 PM

I've thought this was either something very serious or something very personal, like the suggestions that have been made.

Cancer of the pancreas is a dreadful diagnosis. The prognosis and life expectancy are not good.

The Enquirer is a dreadful rag but very often they do have the "true nub" of a story and are first out with it.

We will have to hope they are very wrong about this one.

midnightman

12-08-2010, 02:36 PM

^ Fox2 Detroit confirmed Aretha does indeed have cancer.

http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/news/local/aretha-franklin-has-cancer%2C-fox-2-confirms

Aretha Franklin Has Cancer, Fox 2 Confirms

Updated: Wednesday, 08 Dec 2010, 1:19 PM EST
Published : Wednesday, 08 Dec 2010, 1:16 PM EST

Detroit

myFOXdetroit.com Staff - Fox 2 News in Detroit has confirmed that the "Queen of Soul" has cancer. A close relative of Aretha Franklin tells reporter Al Allen that they are very concerned.

At this time Franklin's family says she is doing "OK", but they are asking for the continued prayers and thoughts from the community.

Today The National Enquirer reported that Franklin has incurable pancreatic cancer. Fox 2 could not confirm the type of cancer Franklin has. Last week she underwent surgery for a mystery illness.

The surgery was deemed a success, but it came under mysterious circumstances. A few weeks ago Franklin canceled all concerts through May 2011 due to "medical reasons."

This is a statement released by Franklin following her surgery last Thursday [[December 2nd):

The surgery was highly successful. God is still in control. I had superb doctors and nurses whom were blessed by all the prayers of the city and the country. God bless you all for your prayers! -- The Queen of Soul, Ms. Aretha Franklin

Fox 2's Amy Lange will have a full video report today on Fox 2 News at 5 pm. Updates will be made right here on myFOXdetroit.com.

Send your well-wishes to Aretha Franklin in the comment module below.