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.'

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Comments

(131)

Wednesday 08 December

By karen

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My mother had pancreatic cancer and it has to be the most horrible disease. She lasted four months after being diagnosed. Let's pray that a cure is found for all cancers (although I do believe that there is for some of them)

By Richard Sloboda

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During my Tour of duty with the 101st Airborne Division 1968-69 RESPECT was the greatest morale booster. Just hearing you sing that song put smiles on our faces and a little charge in our batteries. Thank you for being part of my life. Prayer for your speed recovery are on the way. Don't give up, you are a very special gift God gave to us.

By Chris Mont

You're a "tough cookie", Aretha! HANG IN THERE!

By ranchogal

Regarding Kathy Griffin: this woman is SOOOOOOOO repulsive!!!!

By Marie

I pray for Aretha's recovery. Whether or not it's inoperable, the Lord has the last word. I can empathize with her and her family because I lost someone I loved dearly to cancer less than two months ago. I pray also for a cure for this nasty disease and hope for those currently suffering.

By Barbara

God bless you Aretha, your voice is an inspiration to us all...

By senorita

I am so sorry to hear about Aretha. She is an icon of our pop culture. I wish her health and success in beating this ugly disease.

By Jeannie

Aretha, You are the original "Natural Woman". I hope that God grants a miracle and you get better. You are in my prayers!!! Love ya!

By Mary Lou Alvadj

Aretha, I grew up in Detroit and you lived a couple of blocks from my parents years ago after I got married and left. You are the best of Detroit, your loyalty to a city that is in so much trouble. Your music is the best of a once great city. Thank you, I just lost my husband and we use to dance to your music.
Many prayers for you.

By EJ

I am sorry to hear about your journey, but remember that God in in control of all journeys, whether good or bad the Lord makes the final decision in our journeys. Ms. Aretha just beleive that this is a test of your faith. I will keep you in my prays. I have asked God to send an angel to watch over you as well.

May God Bless and Keep You.

By Lyn

We love you, Aretha!!! Thoughts are with you from all over the world!!

By Sande' Crosby

To a beautiful lady that is very special to me I send my prayers for a full recovery. I have had cancer twice, breast and cervical and the good Lord has seen me through both now I pray he does the same for you. Also thank you for your kindness when you allowed me to go back stage and meet you. My husband and I cherish the beautiful picture of us three together that you had one of your people take. It means so much to us. You are so warm and human and kind and this from someone as wonderful as you. God bless you and may my prayers help bring you some health and peace and happiness. We love you.

Thursday 09 December

I pray for a miracle for the Queen of Soul. For those of you who seem to think her obesity is the cause of her disease, I suppose Michael Landon and Patrick Swayze were also obese and out of shape. Let's just appreciate her, pray for her and not try to be m.d.'s

By Beth

You are definitely one of my all time favorite singers "ReRe". Nobody has that deep soul melody like you sista. You're strong and you'll survive. I'll say a little prayer for you.

By Deb

God Bless You Aretha. I am praying for you.

By ed baggett

She has 1 month to live ....

By cdm

I can't deal with this. My mother left me her Aretha Collection when she died in 93' I am so glad mother did not have to see this. But like she would be, I am devastated. I still have the collection and Retha' "I LOVE You".

By glory

"By his sripes we are healed" Aretha God blessed you with your music and if He does nothing else He's done enough. God bless you and your family.

By Mike Gallagher

Best wishes to the Queen of Soul. I love her music and hope and pray for a full recovery so we can continue to have many more years of her wonderful voice.

By julie

You have given us so much spirit, soul and beauty in your music. Thank you for these wonderful gifts and may God bless you, the Queen of Soul.

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