Soul Queen remains positive in cancer battle

Merissa Richards

One of soul music's greatest ever stars, Aretha Franklin, is said to be remaining positive about her recently disclosed battle against pancreatic cancer.

The queen of soul is recovering from an operation linked to treatment of the cancer, and cancelled her planned concerts giving "health reasons" as the cause.

In a statement released after her surgery, the singer said: "God is still in control." The singer's cousin Brenda Corbett said Franklin was "doing better than doctors expected."

When The Voice spoke to Aretha Franklin recently, she said she had to cancel appearances and would not be doing any interviews as she had suddenly fallen sick following her son's recovery, after he was beaten up at a petrol station. However she didn't disclose the nature of her ill health.

The 68-year-old soul legend performed at the January 2009 inauguration of President Barack Obama. Franklin released a statement this month saying she had undergone "highly successful surgery," which she said was down to God.

Franklin, speaking before she underwent surgery, said she was eager to get back to work. She told The Voice: "It's been a very challenging year, but prayers from fans are greatly appreciated. Thank you."