Aretha Frankin has pancreatic cancer
By: Nancy Cook
Updated: December 8, 2010
Legendary superstar Aretha Franklin has been fighting a secret battle with pancreatic cancer, according to network television and newspaper reports.
Her health has been under scrutiny since she revealed last week she had undergone "successful" surgery in a hospital in Detroit to treat a mystery ailment. Franklin refused to share details about the cause of her illness, but thanked fans for their support after the operation on Thursday.
In a statement she said, "The surgery was highly successful. God is still in control. I had superb doctors and nurses whom were blessed by all the prayers of the city and the country. God bless you all for your prayers!"
Reportedly, a family source allegedly shared the sad news with "The Detroit News," while another relative is said to have backed up the claims to the city's Fox 2 News.
Although a spokesperson for Franklin had yet to respond to requests for a comment, her good friend, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, assured fans the singer is "recovering very well" from the undisclosed surgery, insisting she is on her feet as she recuperates in hospital and that her spirits are "high and her faith is strong."
Famous survivors of pancreatic tumors include Apple exec Steven Jobs and Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
