Despite reports of Aretha Franklin’s “death being imminent,” the Queen of Soul is home and resting, according to her nephew Tim Franklin.

In an exclusive with People magazine, Tim stated that “she’s alert, laughing, teasing and [is] able to recognize people.” He went on to warn fans against spreading death rumors that tend to swirl in times like this. “She’s watching TV, so God forbid she sees all of this ‘Aretha’s dead,’ so I don’t want to dampen her spirits on that.”

On a lighter note, the Franklin family is opting to stay optimistic. They prefer to “keep her spirits up and go from there.” She as well as her family “believe she’ll pull through it and that’s the important thing.”

We continue to send our prayers and love.