Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin has cancer

According to the New York Daily News website, Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin has cancer, her family announced on today.

The music legend's relatives and sources close to her confirmed the sad news to Detroit's Fox 2 station and The Detroit News, adding they are deeply worried about the icon's health.

Franklin, 68, underwent surgery last Thursday at a Detroit hospital for an undisclosed condition.

She released a statement after the procedure to reassure her fans, but did not specify the reason for her operation.

"The surgery was highly successful," she said. "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!"

The day after her surgery, Franklin visited with the Rev. Jesse Jackson, who said she was making an impressive recovery.

"She's doing very well," Jackson told The Detroit News. "She's very prayerful. She's a woman of deep religious faith."