Beyonce dedicates Detroit concert to Aretha Franklin

DETROIT (WJBK) - Fans and celebrities across the world are saying prayers for Aretha Franklin as news has come out that she is gravely ill.

Monday night, to a crowd of more than 40,000 people, Beyonce fittingly dedicated her concert with husband Jay Z in Detroit to The Queen of Soul. Detroit is Aretha's hometown, and where she is currently at home surrounded by loved ones.

"She stepped right up at the beginning of the concert and dedicated it to her, and [we're] hoping and praying that Aretha makes it," concertgoer Selam Sanders said.

Beyonce was in town for the OTR II Tour with Jay Z. DJ Khaled was an opening act, and we're told he honored Aretha, too, by playing "Respect."

The show was at Ford Field, which is just a few blocks away from the street that was named Aretha Franklin Way after the icon just last summer. It's a section of Madison Street, between Brush and Witherell.

FOX 2 confirmed yesterday that Aretha is seriously ill, and is surrounded by her loved ones. The 76-year-old has battled numerous health issues over the years, but has never disclosed what's been ailing her.

"This last year or so she's been challenged health wise but her spirits were high, always high, and her faith was always strong. That is, I think, what we should say about Aretha today. She is fighting; she is doing her best and she is surrounded by an army of family and friends," FOX 2 Anchor Huel Perkins said, who is also a close friend.

Aretha's grew up singing in her dad's house of worship, New Bethel Baptist Church on Linwood in Detroit. As a teenager, her father helped her launch a gospel career which turned into the super stardom that we know today.

A prayer vigil will be held at New Bethel Baptist Church for Aretha Wednesday at 5 a.m.