![Steven Tyler Pays Tribute to ‘Gravely Ill’ Aretha Franklin in Best Way He Can](http://townsquare.media/site/204/files/2018/08/Steven-Tyler-Aretha.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Steven Tyler Pays Tribute to ‘Gravely Ill’ Aretha Franklin in Best Way He Can
As the music world continues to pray for the ailing Aretha Franklin, the always-outspoken (but heartfelt) Steven Tyler put his feelings for her into words.
“Aretha Franklin, you have reached millions of people with your style and your magic,” he remarked when TMZ caught up with him on the street. "God bless you and everyone that have you on their mind. Big prayers to you. Love you Aretha. Respect."
And then, in true Tyler fashion, the sometimes-country rocker decided sang a bar of Franklin’s most famous song, "Respect."
On Monday (Aug. 13), reports surfaced that Franklin — a music icon — was "gravely ill," according to Ultimate Classic Rock. The 76-year-old was diagnosed with cancer in 2010. On Tuesday, her nephew told reporters that despite the headlines, Franklin is "alert, laughing, teasing."
Tyler is just one of the many artists who have used their social media channels to express sadness and hope over the Queen of Soul's health. Sheryl Crow headed to her Twitter page to share her thoughts about the music giant, calling Franklin "the most soulful angelic voice that ever was."
People magazine says Franklin is at home with family. Reports also say that Franklin has been visited by friends Stevie Wonder and Jesse Jackson.
"She is seriously ill and surrounded by family members who appreciate the outpouring of love and support they have received," Franklin’s publicist, Gwendolyn Quinn, says.
These Country Artists Died in 2018 and Music Will Never Be the Same:
More From Kicker 102.5
![Chris Stapleton, Steven Tyler + More Celebrate Muscle Shoals on New Tribute Album](http://townsquare.media/site/204/files/2018/09/steven-tyler-muscle-shoals-small-town-big-sound.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Steven Tyler Hits President Trump With Cease and Desist Over Rally Music](http://townsquare.media/site/204/files/2018/08/steven-tyler-donald-trump.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Gone Country: Artists Who Have Unexpectedly Released Country Projects](http://townsquare.media/site/623/files/2015/06/artists-who-have-released-country-albums.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![School’s Back in Session! See Country Stars’ Yearbook Photos [PICTURES]](http://townsquare.media/site/623/files/2014/11/Miranda-Lambert-Eric-Church-Luke-Bryan.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![The Showdown: Steven Tyler vs. Cam](http://townsquare.media/site/204/files/2016/01/steven-tyler-cam-sd1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Steven Tyler Releases New Single, ‘Red, White & You’ [LISTEN]](http://townsquare.media/site/623/files/2016/01/steven-tyler-red-white-and-you.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Steven Tyler Tells Donald Trump to Stop Using His Song at Campaign Events](http://townsquare.media/site/152/files/2015/04/StevenT1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Steven Tyler Officially Going Country, Signs With Big Machine Label Group](http://townsquare.media/site/204/files/2015/04/468757960.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Steven Tyler Talks Like Elmer Fudd and Leaves a Note Under Miley’s Hotel Door [VIDEO]](http://townsquare.media/site/171/files/2014/06/steven_tyler_Twitter.png?w=980&q=75)