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Aretha Franklin Cancels Upcoming Concerts Due To Health Reasons

The Queen of Soul is taking a break.

Aretha Franklin, per doctor's orders, is taking a hiatus from the stage and has, thus, canceled two of her upcoming shows in New Jersey and New Orleans, respectively.

According to Page Six, the Queen of Soul canceled her upcoming concerts on March 25 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and April 28 at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. The former would have taken place on her 76th birthday.

The music legend was set to headline the New Orleans festival, but due to her backing out, organizers have chosen Rod Stewart to take her place.

In a statement, the singer's rep said she has been ordered by her doctor to stay off the road and rest completely for "at least the next two months." Franklin is said to be "extremely disappointed she cannot perform as she had expected and hoped to."

Franklin announced back in 2017 that she planned to retire soon and would only perform at "some select things."

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