Several Detroit media outlets are reporting that soul legend Aretha Franklin has pancreatic cancer. Michigan Radio contacted Franklin's publicist for confirmation, but has yet to hear back.
The National Enquirer was the first to report the Queen of Soul's illness. Fox2 Detroit followed with a similar story:
"A relative of Aretha Franklin tells reporter Al Allen that the icon has cancer. Another relative says the family is very concerned. At this time Franklin's family says she is doing "OK", but they are asking for the continued prayers and thoughts from the community."
Aretha Franklin underwent surgery in Detroit last Thursday. Neither she nor her publicist would say what kind of surgery Franklin was going in for or the nature of the illness.
After the surgery, Franklin released a statement saying the surgery was “successful.”
Her long time friend, Reverend Jesse Jackson, visited in her in the hospital several times and told the Associated Press that her “spirits are high and her faith is strong.”
The 68-year-old Queen of Soul last month cancelled all her concerts through May 2011. Franklin said the cancellations were doctors’ orders, but didn’t reveal anything about her condition.
