Aretha Franklin Reported to Have Pancreatic Cancer

DETROIT (Reuters) - Soul singer Aretha Franklin, who recently underwent surgery for an undisclosed health issue, was reported to be suffering from pancreatic cancer, the Detroit News said on its web site.Publicists for the 68-year-old singer, who has canceled all her appearances through May 2011, could not immediately be reached for comment.The Detroit News report on Wednesday cited a source familiar with the situation for the cancer diagnosis, an illness which the report pointed out has a poor prognosis.Separately, the Fox television station in Detroit reported the same diagnosis for the "Queen of Soul," citing a close relative as the source. The report said she was doing "OK."

After the surgery, Franklin released a statement December 2 that she had undergone "highly successful surgery" but did not disclose the nature of her illness.

The legendary singer of 1960s hits like "Chain of Fools" and "Respect" had continued a busy schedule of touring and recording until late October.

In January 2009, she sang at the inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama.

http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory?id=12346012

Such horrible news... Aretha will be in my thoughts and prayers as she battles this awful disease... :(

OMG! That is horrible news...

Last week in Detroit a prayer vigil was held for her, but her illness was not disclosed then. Usually this type of cancer doesn't end in good news, but I pray that it does for Aretha.

Definitely a sobering diagnosis. Here's hoping for the best for Aretha; I've always loved her voice.

Just goes to show that cancer doesn't have R-E-S-P-E-C-T for anyone. I'm sorry to hear that Aretha has received this diagnosis. I wish her the best in her fight.

Her Concerts may be canceled indefinitely if it's pancreatic...she may be joined with James Brown, Ray Charles, and all the other Soul Legends soon....

All love and prayers to Aretha...I hope and pray that the disease was caught early enough for her to survive. God bless her...

Aretha claims she will resume touring as soon as early summer. It seems kind of premature to be making those decisions, but God bless her determination.

I'm just praying to God they found the cancer early. Sometimes they do. If they did, that certainly improves the outlook. I was sick when I heard this and know I'm joining the millions of others who are praying and rooting for our beloved Lady Soul.