Aretha Franklin not attending baseball luncheon where she was to receive “Beacon” award

NEW YORK, N.Y. – Aretha Franklin will not be attending a baseball luncheon during which she was to receive an honour for contributions to civil rights, The Associated Press has learned.

Franklin, 71, has already cancelled several concerts recently because of undisclosed health reasons. In a statement issued Monday by Major League Baseball, the Grammy-winning singer referred to ongoing “treatment” that prevented her from travelling. Franklin lives in the Detroit area; the luncheon is being held in Chicago on Saturday.

Franklin and former baseball star Bo Jackson were to be presented “Beacon” awards, which in previous years have been given to Willie Mays and Harry Belafonte among others. Major League Baseball plans to honour her at a later date. The “Beacon” luncheon is one of several events marking baseball’s Civil Rights Game weekend.

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