http://www.freep.com/article/20101208/E ... -of-cancer

Aretha Franklin's relatives say she's recovering, won't discuss reports of cancer

While several media were reporting that Aretha Franklin has pancreatic cancer, two of Franklin’s closest relatives told the Free Press today that Franklin is doing well recovering from an undisclosed medical procedure last week.

Neither Franklin’s sister-in-law Earline Franklin nor her cousin Brenda Corbett would discuss the exact nature of Franklin’s illness.

“Aretha is doing better than doctors expected,” Corbett said. “She has a long life in front of her and will be back in concert, on stage, late spring or early summer.”

The National Enquirer reported that Franklin has pancreatic cancer, while saying the life expectancy for that cancer as six to eight months. Referring to the Enquirer story, Corbett said, "This girl is doing great and they need to stop it."

Earline Franklin, Aretha's sister-in-law, refused to discuss the National Enquirer report at all. “Aretha is doing absolutely wonderful. All the prayers and well wishes have supported her and she’s doing well.”

Franklin is revered as one of the most important American artists in history.

Rumors have been rampant but real news limited since early November, when Franklin announced she’d be canceling her next six months of activity. Fans, colleagues and even friends of the singer have nervously awaited concrete information about her condition.

Franklin had spent several days at Detroit’s Sinai-Grace Hospital in late October, and returned to the hospital last week for what sources have described as an emergency procedure.