Aretha Franklin pulls out of Ottawa Jazz Festival
Cancels all June dates because of health
Soul music legend Aretha Franklin has cancelled her performance at the Ottawa Jazz Festival because of her health.
A posting on the festival’s website said Franklin, 71, has cancelled her entire June touring schedule under doctor’s orders.
She was scheduled to perform June 26. Organizers promise to schedule a replacement concert.
"It's definitely a big blow to us, she's irreplacable —she's the Queen of Soul — so it's really unfortunate," said Peter Cancura, the festival's programming director.
"We are working hard to, first of all, replace her on that date and we've got a few really good leads."
Franklin called off her May dates last week but did perform on the season finale of American Idol on May 17 via satellite.
The cause of these health issues hasn't been released.
The TD Ottawa Jazz Festival runs from June 20 to July 1, with most shows at Ottawa’s Confederation Park.