Aretha Franklin cancels shows on doctor's orders

Aretha Franklin has canceled appearances in Chicago and Connecticut later this month under a doctor's recommendation.

A Monday news release says Franklin, 71, will need treatment during the time period shows were scheduled with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra on May 20 and at Foxwoods Resort & Casino in Connecticut on May 26. The release doesn't specify what kind of treatment and her publicist did not immediately respond to a message seeking details.

Singer Janelle Monae will step in for Franklin for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Corporate Night fundraiser. The Grammy-winning singer will be playing orchestral versions of her songs that she'll first debut Thursday with the San Francisco Symphony.

Franklin, meanwhile, has been working on a new album. In a recent Associated Press interview, she said that Clive Davis was in talks with Baybface and Danger Mouse about producing her new material. "It should be good. As long as it's good music. I love all music. It's got to be constructed properly," she said.