Music

Soul legend Aretha Franklin diagnosed with cancer

by Ciaran Thompson

The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin is battling pancreatic cancer and has canceled all her upcoming shows, a family member told Detroit’s Fox 2 News yesterday.

The 68-year-old singer underwent surgery last week, but it was unknown at the time what it was for. Franklin later said it was a success and that “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!”

According to family members, the soul singer is currently doing “OK” and asked for “the continued prayers and thoughts from the community.”

Various studies show that fewer that 5% of those who are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer are still alive five years after diagnosis.

We would like to extend our best wishes to Franklin and her family.