DETROIT — Aretha Franklin has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, according to multiple reports Wednesday.
A member of Franklin's family could not confirm the reports, but did tell Fox 2 Detroit that the 68-year-old singer "may have bladder or pancreatic cancer."
On Thursday, another family member said Franklin is "doing better than doctors expected" and should be released from the hospital this weekend.
Cousin Brenda Corbett told 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 revealed last week that she had undergone a "highly successful" surgery for an undisclosed ailment.
"God is still in control," she said in a statement after the surgery. "I had superb doctors and nurses whom were blessed by all the prayers of the city and the country."
In November, the Queen of Soul announced she was under doctors orders to cancel all concert dates and personal appearances through May.
Franklin is one of the most popular singers in American history, having won 20 Grammy Awards over the course of her distinguished career. In 1987, she became the first female artist to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
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