Aretha Franklin Has Cancer, Family Confirms

By Zach Dionne Posted Dec 8th 2010 02:40PM

Aretha Franklin is battling cancer, a family friend has announced to FOX 2 News in Detroit.

According to the report, family and friends close to the Queen of Soul are "very concerned," but say she is doing "okay." Family expressed hopes to FOX that fans of Aretha, 68, will send prayers and good thoughts.

In a post at PopCrunch, a National Enquirer story (not available online) is cited saying Franklin's cancer is pancreatic. The same report notes sources saying Aretha has less than a year to live.

"Though the Enquirer is known for its often-outlandish take on unbiased journalism," PopCrunch writes, "it should be noted that the publication was the first in the world to report Patrick Swayze and Michael Landon's battles with pancreatic cancer, a disease that has a less than 10 percent survival rate and ultimately killed both actors. They also blew the lid off Christina Applegate's breast cancer scare in 2008."

FOX 2 in Detroit was unable to confirm the specific type of cancer. Franklin underwent a "highly successful" surgery last week, though the cause was not revealed.

"God is still in control," Aretha's post-surgery statement read. "I had superb doctors and nurses whom were blessed by all the prayers of the city and the country."

News of Franklin's unspecified operation came a month after she announced the cancellation of all concert dates and personal appearances through May on the order of her doctors. That announcement came after Franklin's brief visit to a Detroit hospital -- no details were given about her condition at the time.

It's been a difficult several months for Franklin; her adult son, Eddie, was beaten by three men at a Detroit gas station in September. A month earlier, she broke ribs in a fall, causing her to miss two free concerts in New York.

Aretha Franklin, born in Memphis and raised in Detroit, is the singer of hits like 'Respect,' 'Chain of Fools,' and '(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.'

Wish Aretha Well on Facebook

Aretha, We Love You

Tags: Aretha Franklin

Comments

(131)

Wednesday 08 December

By tita li'ili'i

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Lindsay, here's hoping you choke on a tofu turkey during this holiday season.

By tony

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its a sad story i will pray for you diva.

By cathylint

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Wanna know where people go to snag an i-nter-racial rel-ations-hip, say, Just for future reference? “i-nterr-acial Central”? “San Carlos” ? or “San Francisco”?*** BlackWhite Cupid C 0/om *** is the real place that is packed with them. ;)

Wanna know where people go to snag an i-nter-racial rel-ations-hip, say, Just for future reference? “i-nterr-acial Central”? “San Carlos” ? or “San Francisco”?*** BlackWhite Cupid C 0/om *** is the real place that is packed with them. ;)

By Steve

Ain't no way. We love her and wish her well.

By Harbo

Aretha you're the greatest. Get well, baby. You're in my thoughts. You are loved!!!!!

By garry

Here's a prayer going up for Aretha ,, May the Lord be with you and yours during the time of your sickness and bless the surgeons hand and may your healing be swift..

By Sioux

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gary I join you in your prayers and wishes for our "Queen Of Soul"

By Joe

God Bless You HomeGirl

By Dee

Aretha,

you are in my prayers and yes God is definitely in control...I am standing on a miracle to happen for you.

God bless...

By Lindi

Aretha, keep on singin for HE will hear you, I stand on HIS love for you, all shall be well. You are the best. My prayers are for your total recovery. AMEN!

By Robert

My prayers to you Aretha. I love you. Stay strong. God will be there for you all the way, you are an angel.

By muddytrane

I am another praying for you Aretha, the Queen Of Soul. On a personal note, can we just stop all these stupid "studies" on what cellphones do to children's behavior and other stupid "studies" and start putting that much needed money to finding a cure for something that is NEEDED! I lost both of my parents to cancer and it's about time we wake up and start being smart about what we use medical study and treatment money for.

By JoyceEarle

We are praying for you Lady, Queen of soul, and we wish you well.

By Joy

Inappropriate. Poor thoughts.

By J

I hope you never experience the ravages of cancer. And I hope neither she nor her family read your post. God bless Aretha with prayers for a speedy recovery.

By great granny

Ms. Aretha Franklin, now is the time to tell you how very much ive enjoyed your music and wonderful voice. One of our favorite songs is RESPECT. that is a good mantra to live by. You blew me away when you stepped in for a very well known opera singer and was actually singing opera. We knew you were multitalented but who knew to what extent. Bravo, Bravo. Add actress to the mix and we have only half of your talents. Good luck and wishes for a fast recovery and God bless you.

By Gert

You're correct, weight is a major factor with pancreatic cancer. A diet high in fatty foods, lots of red meats, deep fried foods and high carbohydrate diets increase ones risk. Also on the list are diabetes, as well as race. Those who say diet is not a factor, check the national Cancer society web page, type in [ancreatic cancer risk factors. Because of her age, weight, and race, the odds are stacked against her. I hope she makes it as a survivor not a statistic.

By jay

yutZ

By junior

Lindsay, hopefully your neighbors know who you are and unleash their pit bulls on you and just stand back and watch while the dog rips your throat out. Then you can be buried with the fur the dog left ripping you apart.

By Richard Ott

On the 30'th Anniversary Of John Lennon's death,
Aretha Franklyn has cancer? With all due R-E-S-P-E-C-T,
I hope The National Enquiorer is lying about this,
and she'll be alive by the end of tonight, and even
after Christmas Day, the day James Brown died. TMZ
Narrator, don't you dare even think about proclaiming
the original queen of soul dead on the next broadcast of
TMZ TV, or you'll wish you never believed in Santa Claus.

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