Stevie Wonder has been to visit his "gravely ill" friend Aretha Franklin.

Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder

The 76-year-old soul legend is said to be fighting for her life at her home in Detroit, and as well as her family, pals including the 'Lately' singer and her ex-husband, actor Glynn Turman have gathered to spend time with the ailing star.

Her publicist confirmed the visits and revealed Reverend Jesse Jackson will be calling to the house on Wednesday (15.08.18).

Meanwhile, Chaka Khan, Sir Rod Stewart, Missy Elliott and Mariah Carey are among the stars to have sent messages of support to the 'Respect' hitmaker.

Mariah tweeted: "Praying for the Queen of Soul #ArethaFranklin (sic)"

Chaka shared a clip of herself performing 'Respect' on a tribute show for the Queen of Soul and wrote: "CHAKA KHAN - RESPECT - [heart emojis] ARETHA FRANKLIN

I fall asleep tonight with a heavy heart & a prayer for my soul sister [prayer emojis] (sic)"

Rod posted: "Thinking about you @ArethaFranklin. Lots of love. - Sir Rod xxx (sic)"

And Missy tweeted: "My prayers are with Aretha Franklin & her family during this difficult time... we MUST CELEBRATE the Living Legends while they are here to see it. So many have given us decades of Timeless music...(sic)"

Former US leader Bill Clinton shared a heartfelt message on his Twitter account to the singer, who performed at his inauguration in 1993, on behalf of himself and wife Hillary.

He wrote: "Like people all around the world, Hillary and I are thinking about Aretha Franklin tonight & listening to her music that has been such an important part of our lives the last 50 years. We hope you'll lift her up by listening and sharing her songs that have meant the most to you.(sic)"

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