Aretha Franklin is alive and well — even though the internet tried to convince us otherwise.
As you may’ve seen, early on Tuesday morning, rumors began swirling that the Queen of Soul had passed away thanks to the Twitter hashtag #RipArethaFranklin. How terrible!!
Related: Celebs Pay Tribute To David Cassidy Following His Death
Thankfully, the viral hashtag was merely a hoax, as Miz Franklin has since given an update on her health status. In a statement to Us Weekly, the powerhouse diva noted:
“I’m doing well generally, all tests have come back good… I’ve lost a lot of weight due to side effects of medicine, it affects your weight ├óΓé¼┬ª Thanxxxx for your concern.”
Phew. We’re glad to hear that the 75-year-old is doing well.
It appears as though the fake Aretha Franklin Twitter account is to blame for the false report. The faux social media page impressively featured this announcement:
It Is With Sad News That We Announce The Passing Of The Queen Of Soul Aretha Franklin
1942-2017#RipArethaFranklin #ArethaFranklin pic.twitter.com/LPH571dlix
— Aretha Franklin (@ArethaFrankIinn) November 21, 2017
If we weren’t so tuned into social media, we probably would’ve been duped by this tweet too, especially since the Twitter account claims to be “the official Twitter of the Undisputed Queen of Soul.” Smh.
Access Hollywood host Shaun Robinson, who also serves as a spokesperson for Franklin, made sure to weigh in on the situation. The TV personality added:
Good Morning, Everyone. I just spoke to one of Ms. Franklin’s family friends in my hometown Detroit. They spoke to Aretha moments ago and asked me to tell you please don’t believe this news that was trending. Have a good day. https://t.co/3LTyD4UlEH
— Shaun Robinson (@shaunrobinson) November 21, 2017
Sadly, this isn’t the first time false reports have circulated about Aretha’s health. After undergoing a procedure in 2011 to remedy severe pain she had on her side, tabloids claimed the hitmaker had pancreatic cancer. At the time, the Respect singer relayed:
“I don’t know where ├óΓé¼╦£pancreatic cancer’ came from. I was sitting there reading the newspaper and it was saying someone in my family said that. No one in my family ever said that to anybody.”
Awkward!! Regardless, Aretha can now enjoy her previously announced retirement in peace!
Glad you’re okay, queen!
[Image via WENN.]
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