Aretha Franklin Has Pancreatic Cancer, Reports Say
NEW YORK (CBS/AP) Aretha Franklin has been quiet about the nature of the illness that prompted her to cancel all upcoming events and undergo surgery last week, but reports are now speculating that the Queen of Soul is suffering from pancreatic cancer.
A source familiar with the situation told The Detroit News about Franklin's condition on Wednesday.
Detroit's Fox 2 news also reported that Franklin has cancer, attributing the information to a relative. The National Enquirer also posted a story on the music legend's reported illness.
Last month, Franklin announced she was canceling all concert dates and personal appearances through May on the orders of her doctors.
Neither she nor her publicist have said what is ailing the 68-year-old Queen of Soul.
The Rev. Jesse Jackson said Wednesday that he's visited with Franklin four or five times recently and said she is "recovering very well" from surgery.
He says Franklin takes daily walks up and down the hall of her hospital, and her spirits "are high and her faith is strong."