Queen of soul Aretha Franklin “seriously ill”

A person close to US soul legend Aretha Franklin has told The Associated Press that she is “seriously ill” and her passing is “imminent”.

The comment was made on condition of anonymity.

She is reportedly resting and surrounded by her close friends and family at her home in Detroit.

Franklin has had health issues for some time with rumours she is battling pancreatic cancer.

Earlier this year, she cancelled concerts after her doctor told the 18-time Grammy-winner that she was exhausted and needed to rest.

Among the major shows axed were a New Jersey concert in March to celebrate her 76^th birthday, and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival a month after.

She had already announced last year she plans to retire and will do only the occasional show.

Last November, she headlined Elton John’s star-studded 25^th celebration in New York of his AIDS Foundation.

She closed the show with all her classics including I Say a Little Prayer and Freeway.

Abdul "Duke" Fakir of the Four Tops, who calls Franklin “lil sis” told the AAP that Franklin was upbeat despite her health problems.

Both grew up in the same rough area of Detroit.

They had spoken a week ago, Fakir said, reminiscing about how she occasionally took drives around the city beautiful Detroit had become again

"She talked about this great, big special she was going to have in New York, with all her great friends performing," he said.

"It made me feel good as well — she was still hoping and wishing and dreaming as we do in this business."