Grammy award-winner BJ Thomas erroneously mourned the death of legendary singer Aretha Franklin on Wednesday. Thomas promptly issued an apology after realizing his mistake. The famed soul singer, whose health has been failing, is alert and recovering at home, according to reports.
"I'm am very worried about Aretha Franklin. God bless her. The best of all time. Love to her and family," Thomas tweeted Tuesday.
The following day, he mistakenly sent his condolences to Franklin's family after seemingly fell victim to death rumors. "RIP Aretha Franklin. Love to the family," Thomas wrote.
Within minutes, Twitter users alerted Thomas to his mistake. He quickly issued a correction. "Oh, Lord! Someone told me she was gone. So sorry. Should have checked more sources. So sorry to have responded to unverified word about Aretha," he wrote. "I was misinformed. So sorry. Aretha lives. Please forgive me."
Franklin's failing health was first reported on Monday by Showbizz 411, who said she was "gravely ill." The report was confirmed by the "Respect" singer's publicist. "She is seriously ill and surrounded by family members who appreciate the outpouring of love and support they have received," Gwendolyn Quinn, the star's longtime rep, confirmed to People magazine.
Her nephew, Tim Franklin, told the publication she was awake and alert.
"Family is there with her. She's home," he said Tuesday. "I saw her a week ago Friday, and we talked for about 45 minutes to an hour. My brother was there on Saturday and she was alert, talking, laughing, joking."
Tim Franklin added: "She's watching TV, so God forbid she sees all of this 'Aretha's dead,' so I don't want to dampen her spirits."
Even though she isn't doing well, her family is hopeful she will regain her health. "We believe she'll pull through it," he said. "She believes she'll pull through it and that's the important thing."
It's not the first time the 76-year-old has fallen victim to death rumors. In November, gossip swirled claiming the star had died from pancreatic cancer.
"Good Morning, Everyone. I just spoke to one of Ms. Franklin's family friends in my hometown of Detroit," TV host Shaun Robinson tweeted at the time. "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."
The Grammy winner is tied with Queen rapper Nicki Minaj for most Billboard Hot 100 songs by a woman. She is best known for hits like "Think," "Chain of Fools," "Freeway of Love," "I Say a Little Prayer" and "Baby I Love You" to name a few.
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