Muhammadu Ali's daughter Laila speaks on behalf of the family

Muhammad Ali's daughter, Laila Ali, is speaking out during a difficult time for the Ali family.


Last night, he had been hospitalized in Phoenix, Arizona being treated for a respiratory issue and today he is said to be on life support.

"Laila's number one priority is her father's well-being," Laila's rep told ET on Friday. "She truly appreciates the outpouring of love for her family, as she spends quality time with her dad."

"Ali, who suffers from Parkinson's disease, is being treated by his team of doctors and is in fair condition. A brief hospital stay is expected," the statement reads, adding that the family "respectfully requests privacy" during this time.

A source close to Ali told ET that he has actually been battling this respiratory issue for "some time." "He was invited to the Prince tribute held in Los Angeles a couple weeks back but could not make it because of this very issue," we're told.

"He's getting weaker and [it's] harder for him to recover from the chronic health issues," the source said.


-ET