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Despite news reports that The Queen of Soul is battling pancreatic cancer, Aretha Franklin is refusing to divulge details on what health issues she has been fighting.
"I am not one to do a lot of talking about my personal health or business," Franklin said an exclusive interview with Jet magazine. "There are a lot of people who will talk about anything as long as there is somebody listening, but I am not one of those people. That's not Aretha," the 20-time Grammy Award winner stated.
The 'Respect' singer revealed that "the problem has been resolved" but refused to confirm if that problem is, in fact, cancer. She stated, "I don't have to talk about my health with anybody other than my doctors."
While performing at a concert in Toronto last year, the legendary soul singer recalled having a very hard pain on her side following a colonoscopy. Although she says initial tests showed nothing, a CAT scan revealed what the problem was.
She advises people to follow her lead and "go to your doctor" when things occur with your health that are uncommon.
The 68-year-old vocal powerhouse says she decided to speak to Jet magazine because she knows how worried her fans have been. "I want to thank my fans and friends and supporters who have prayed for me and sent me beautiful cards and flowers," she said. "Let them know I am feeling great and coming along."
She added, "Please continue to respect my privacy as I continue to recover."
This marks Franklin's third interview with the black-owned newsweekly magazine since being released from the hospital in December. She is currently recovering at home in Detroit.
Her Royal Highness
After recording a string of jazz and blues projects for Columbia Records, Memphis born songstress Aretha Franklin landed at Atlantic Records in 1966. "They made me sit down on the piano and the hits came," she later said about her legacy there.
Aretha Franklin performing during a Martin Luther King Benefit at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York on June 28, 1968.
Aretha Franklin with 'Soul Train' creator Don Cornelius. Franklin was one of many entertainers who performed on the long-running show during its 1970s heyday.
Aretha Franklin rehearsing for Inaugural Eve program for newly elected US President Jimmy Carter and Vice President Walter Mondale at the Kennedy Center in 1977.
Flanked in fur, Aretha Franklin in the press room at the Grammy Awards, circa early 1980s.
Aretha Franklin performing in Chicago on April 18, 1985.
Aretha Franklin, pictured here with Atlantic Records chairman Ahmet Ertegun (circa early 1990s), at a private music industry party.
Aretha Franklin and Luciano Pavarotti are photographed at the 8th Annual Music Cares Gala in Honor of the famed opera singer. The event took place at New York City's posh Waldorf Astoria Hotel on February 23, 1998.
Aretha Franklin held royal court during the broadcast of 'VH1 Divas Live' at the Beacon Theatre in New York City on April 14, 1998. During the show's finale a stirring rendition of her classic song, 'Natural Woman (You Make Me Feel),' The Queen of Soul is joined by Gloria Estefan, Mariah Carey, Carole King, Celine Dion and Shania Twain.
On September 29, 1999, President Bill Clinton, along with First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, awarded Aretha Franklin with the 1999 National Medal of Arts and Humanities Award at Constitution Hall in Washington, DC.
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Comments: (84)
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By: Dj on 1/07/2011 9:50AM
My only comment is to "keep your mouth closed about your personal business now and forever more".
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By: MeritaBread on 1/07/2011 10:39AM
Would that you had kept that comment to yourself - forevermore!
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By: ADMR on 1/07/2011 11:37AM
AMEN...
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By: MeritaBread on 1/07/2011 10:40AM
Aretha - as sassy as ever! You go girl!
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By: jaba on 1/07/2011 1:40PM
R*E*S*P*E*C*T. Her right to privacy, and her request for it. Amen.
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By: Peg on 1/08/2011 1:05AM
Absolutely...intelligently well-stated. I do agree. Best of luck and good wishes to Aretha.
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By: Teedee on 1/08/2011 7:04AM
Touche, stay out of her private affairs!!!!!!
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By: stare k on 1/07/2011 1:55PM
To Aretha . Keeping you in my prayers . No don't tell any one , you personal life is your business.Only discuss it with your Dr's . I 'am a five year cancer survivor . I know how you feel
Aretha . If I knew you address , or a P.O.Box ,I would send you a card , since I dont I 'am sending you well wishes on the net, I hop a family member will see it & tell you about it .
Keeping you in my Prayers . From some one close by
IN MICHIGAN .
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By: kay on 1/07/2011 2:23PM
I believe she should reveal to us her health problems. She can save a life. When I had skin cancer I told all my friends and any one who would listen. Why? How many Black people you know with skin cancer. My doctor could not believe it. We are taught that Black people don't get skin cancer. Now you have been warned use sun block Black people.
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By: Gail on 1/08/2011 7:10AM
Wow Kay...I'm glad you're ok. And you're right, I never heard of any Black person with skin cancer.
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