Aretha Franklin Suffering from Cancer

A family friend of Aretha Franklin revealed on Wednesday that the Queen of Soul is currently battling cancer.

Franklin, 68, underwent what was reportedly a "highly successful" surgery in Detroit on December 2, though the details surrounding it are unspecified as yet. It has been reported that Franklin's cancer is pancreatic, but this claim has not been confirmed. Her surgery follows last month's announcement that she was canceling all her performances through May 2011.

While recovering in the hospital, the icon has been visited by some high-profile friends, including Reverend Jesse Jackson, who reported that she is in good spirits. She since released a post-surgical statement saying, "God is still in control. I had superb doctors and nurses whom were blessed by all the prayers of the city and the country." Though Franklin's condition remains uncertain, a cousin revealed that she is expected to be released from the hospital this weekend, according to People. —KIMBERLY STEELE