Dr Deborah Fraser was admitted to hospital a week ago and, like her hospital admission earlier this year, many had hoped she would return home again but were left shocked when the family of the legendary gospel musician confirmed she died on Sunday.

The musician died after midday at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital in Soweto, Johannesburg.

"It is with deep sadness to inform you of the passing of our beloved mother, sister, aunt, friend, and gospel musician Dr Deborah Fraser following a short illness," a press statement said.

Days before her admission, the 56-year-old took to social media to reaffirm her faith in God.

In her post, she wrote: "Akasithembisanga impilo elula, kodwa wathi nasebunzimeni uzoba nathi. [He didn't promise us an easy life, but he said he would be with us even in hard times]."

In March, she posted she had been quiet for some time because of personal reasons and shared her health had deteriorated, and she was admitted to hospital.

In April, a social media user shared a video of Fraser addressing a group in a wheelchair at an event. In the video, she said she was grateful to God for the opportunity to be at the event, adding "in February, I thought I was not gonna make it", She described the journey as "tedious".

Speaking to the Daily Sun after the video was circulated, the award-winning musician said she had been unable to walk since her lengthy hospital admission between February and March.

In the interview, she attributed this to her movement co-ordination not functioning well.

Click 'read more' for a look at Fraser's illustrious career.