Legendary soul singer Aretha Franklin is seriously ill A person close to the singer told the Associated Press that she is sick but did not provide more details The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because they are not allowed to publicly talk about it The "Queen of Soul" cancelled concerts earlier this year due to doctor's orders to rest The 76-year-old announced last year that she plans to retire Her long career includes hits like "Respect" and "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman"