Aretha Franklin: “I Feel Great”

Aretha Franklin, recovering at her suburban Detroit home after surgery, said she feels “great” and plans to soon reveal her mystery ailment.

In her first interview since surgery on Dec. 2, the Queen of Soul told JET mag she expects about eight weeks of recuperation.

“The doctors say I can do whatever I feel like I am up to do,” Franklin said. “Of course, that doesn’t mean any concerts or anything like that. But I can do things around the house, and today I am just piddling around the house.”

The 68-year-old “Respect” singer did not address press reports she has pancreatic cancer. But she promised to “talk more later” about the nature of her health condition, according to JET.

“I am putting Aretha together first,” Franklin said. “We will put Ree Ree together first. This is Aretha time to do whatever it is that I need to do.”

Franklin also expressed appreciation for prayers and support, saying her list of well-wishers has included: Stevie Wonder, Oprah Winfrey, Tavis Smiley, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Patti LaBelle, Dionne Warwick, Smokey Robinson, Berry Gordy and Condoleezza Rice.

Selected Reading: JET, People, Us

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