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Beyoncé and Jay Z pay tribute to 'gravely-ill' Aretha Franklin as Stevie Wonder visits Queen of Soul

Beyonce and Jay Z perform during their On the Run Tour II, August 2, 2018 - Getty Images North America
Beyonce and Jay Z perform during their On the Run Tour II, August 2, 2018 - Getty Images North America

The news that Aretha Franklin is seriously ill shocked the music industry on Monday and high profile figures such as former President Bill Clinton and Rod Stewart have sent the soul icon their love. 

On Monday night, Beyoncé and Jay Z performed in Detroit, the city where Franklin grew up, and paid tribute to the Respect singer by dedicating their entire show to her. 

After performing the opening song, Holy Grail,  with husband Jay Z, Beyoncé addressed the crowd and said: “This show is dedicated to Aretha Franklin. We love you and thank you," to heartfelt applause.

DJ Khaled, who is the opening act for the couple's North American tour, also paid tribute to the soul singer during his set, as he told the crowd, "send some love to Aretha Franklin" before playing her 1967 hit Respect.

Franklin, 76, is reportedly surrounded by her family and close friends in Detroit, who are asking for prayers and privacy. Yesterday a source told The Telegraph: "Something's been happening with her health, 

Franklin during her last performance at Elton John's 25th annual AIDS gala  - Credit: Getty Images
Franklin during her last performance at Elton John's 25th annual AIDS gala Credit: Getty Images

"She's missed several high profile public engagements in recent months, including the funeral of Dennis Edwards, who was one of her lovers. It's uncharacteristic of her."

On Tuesday Stevie Wonder, the Reverend Jesse Jackson and Franklin's ex-husband, actor Glynn Turman, also visited the Queen of Soul at her home in Detroit.

Franklin's most recent performance was last November, for the Elton John AIDS Foundation in New York. Attendees commented on the significant weight loss of the star. 

Beyoncé and Jay Z's show in Detroit is the 29th of their On the Run Tour II which began in Cardiff on June 6 and concludes in Seattle on October 4. It is their second tour together following On the Run in 2014.