Aretha Franklin Set for Hospital Release, Cousin Says
NEW YORK (CBS/AP) Aretha Franklin's cousin says the ailing legendary singer is "doing better than doctors expected" and expects to be released from the hospital this weekend.
Brenda Corbett tells the Detroit Free Press that Franklin "has a long life in front of her and will be back in concert, on stage, late spring or early summer."
Franklin has pancreatic cancer, according to a number of reports published Wednesday. A source also told the Free Press that the Queen of Soul was diagnosed with that form of cancer.
The source who confirmed Franklin's pancreatic cancer diagnosis to the newspaper said that doctors "will monitor and keep a close eye on it from here on out."
A report in the National Enquirer noted Wednesday, citing medical experts, that pancreatic cancer has only a five to 10 percent overall survival rate. Actor Patrick Swayze died from the disease last year.
Franklin's sister-in-law Earline Franklin refused to discuss the Enquirer report to the Free Press, saying only: "Aretha is doing absolutely wonderful. All the prayers and well wishes have supported her, and she's doing well."
The 68-year-old Queen of Soul announced last week that she had undergone a surgical procedure. Neither she nor her publicist have said what is ailing her.
The Rev. Jesse Jackson told The Associated Press on Wednesday that he visited Franklin four or five times and her spirits "are high and her faith is strong."
Franklin last month canceled all concert dates and personal appearances through May on doctors' orders.