Soul legend Aretha Franklin was released from hospital and sent home to recuperate.
“I’ve been at home for almost three days now. My family and friends who brought me home are taking great care of me. I also have a private nurse who visits on a daily basis.
“I’m hoping to be strong enough to go out and see the upcoming Sam Cooke play at the Music Hall in Downtown Detroit before Jan. 2, as well as a performance of Dreamgirls at the FOX before it closes,” Franklin stated in a press release from her publicist Traci Jordan.
The much acclaimed queen of soul is reportedly upbeat and enjoying the holiday celebrations. In contrast to unconfirmed reports that she was given less than one year to live after doctors allegedly diagnosed pancreatic cancer, Franklin said she “will be back on the concert circuit,” according to Brenda Corbett, a family member.
“Aretha is doing better than doctors expected. She has a long life in front of her and will be back on the concert stage, late spring or early summer,” a cousin of the 68-year-old singer said.
Sister-in-law Earline Franklin added: “Aretha is doing absolutely wonderful. All the prayers and well wishes have supported, and she’s doing well.”
Franklin cancelled all her engagements in May citing “medical reasons.” However, in October she recorded and toured but later released a statement saying she had undergone “highly successful” surgery. She did not disclose the details of the surgery nor mention cancer in her statement.
The legendary soul, singer was born in Memphis, Tennessee in 1942. She grew up in Michigan and began singing in church there.
