Illness Forces Faith Hill To Miss Tribute
A bronchial infection has forced country star Faith Hill to withdraw from Friday's MusiCares tribute to R&B great Aretha Franklin.
"I am devastated and deeply disappointed," Hill said in a statement late Thursday. "I have been looking forward to being part of this event for months, and even after being diagnosed with a bronchial infection I came to L.A. anyway hoping that I'd be able to sing. I simply can't."
Hill, who is from Star, Miss., was to join Fantasia, John Legend, Herbie Hancock, Shirley Caesar, the Blues Brothers, Bill Cosby and more in honoring Franklin as the 2008 MusiCares Person of the Year for her music and her philanthropic work.
The show will be taped for broadcast on PBS.
Photos: Celebrity Circuit
Known as "The Queen of Soul," Franklin also is up for her 18th Grammy Award on Sunday, nominated for best gospel performance for a duet with Mary J. Blige.
"Aretha is a musical hero and she deserves all of the accolades that she receives," Hill said. "I only hope that I'll get the chance to be a part of something like this in the future."
The 40-year-old Hill has had a rough stretch in recent weeks. Last month, she had knee surgery after aggravating a sports injury from high school.
Her hits include "This Kiss," "Breathe" and "Mississippi Girl."