Aretha Franklin didn't have WLS, She has Pancreatic Cancer

Family Confirms Tabloid Reports That Aretha Franklin Is Suffering From Cancer

By Bridget Bland on Dec 8th 2010 2:22PM
Filed under: News, Celeb Updates

 

A few months back, Aretha Franklin cancelled all of her concerts through May 2011 and was said to be recovering from a mystery illness.

The National Enquirer is reporting that The Queen of Soul is suffering from pancreatic cancer – an incurable disease with a rate of survival is a low 5-10%.

 

Meanwhile, an unnamed family member told a local television news outlet that Franklin has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Another relative said the family is very concerned.

Just last week (Dec.2), The Queen of Soul underwent an undisclosed medical procedure in her hometown of Detroit and sent out an update on her condition to fans through her current media representative, Tracy Jordan.

"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," Franklin said.

A prayer vigil was also held for the 68 year-old 'Respect' singer headed by city councilwoman JoAnn Watson.

Jordan was unable to offer comment regarding the National Enquirer report by deadline.

Franklin's longtime friend, Rev. Jesse Jackson, spoke to the Associated Press today and said he's visited with her four or five times recently and said the multiple Grammy Award winner is "recovering very well" from surgery.

Several famous people have died of pancreatic cancer over the years, including Patrick Swayze, Joan Crawford, Michael Landon, as well as her friend and famed tenor Luciano Pavarotti, whom she paid tribute to at a 1998 Grammy MusiCares benefit.

Shortly thereafter at the 1998 Grammy Awards, the 'Chain of Fools' singer also stepped in and performed his signature "Nessun Dorma" in Pavarotti's place and at his request, when the opera star became too ill to perform.
 

Re: Shortly thereafter at the 1998 Grammy Awards, the 'Chain of Fools' singer also stepped in and performed his signature "Nessun Dorma" in Pavarotti's place and at his request, when the opera star became too ill to perform.

I remember that performance like it was last week.  It was incredible.  I was so proud of her.

May God help her during this time of illness.

Wow thanks for that memory, I remember that, yes that was indeed a proud moment.  
Man oh man if it is pancreatic cancer I'm saddened because that tends to me a very aggressive form of cancer.  My prayers go out to Soul Sister #1

I vaugely remember that - will defintely have to YouTube it tonight

  Whatever her illness I pray it is not pancreatic cancer.  Holding her in my prayers...