Detroit's Queen of Soul Denies Cancer Rumors

As the end of year 2010 arrived, Detroiters received shocking news that legendary Rhythm and Blues songstress Aretha Franklin was scheduled to undergo a life-threatening surgical procedure on December 2. Causes for the procedure were kept out of public notice, becoming mysterious. Not knowing, and only left with hearsay/media reports, an uprising of panic spread for Detroit residents and supporters across the nation. Left with the resources from Franklin cancelling all appearances the previous month, and not returning to the stage until May 2011, her supporters and fellow Detroiters were convinced - Aretha Franklin "wasn't well".

Residents of Detroit, and supporters of the Queen of Soul immediately scheduled a prayer vigil for Franklin. Held in downtown Detroit on the night before Franklin's scheduled procedure, Detroiters joined for community prayer. Although not in attendance for the prayer, Franklin extended her gratitude for what had taken place.

Shortly after, stories emerged online and in the media stating Franklin had pancreatic cancer. The truth behind the source was never revealed in reports, nor stories on Franklin's health. But it was certain of whatever was 'ailing' the Queen of Soul, had been taken care of and she was in "great" condition. The successful procedure and a decreasing healthy weight size, gave Franklin a grade A health report from her physician. But, it wasn't until Franklin felt she was well enough, she agreed to take interviews.

Franklin made appearances via telephone, and took few interviews to clear what many were beginning to believe was the reason for her health crisis; the procedure-causing pancreatic cancer was addressed.

I was able to watch, or rather - hear Franklin's phone interview on an entertainment news program. Although she was maintaining her personal privacy, and steering clear of what exactly was her ailment, Franklin was quick to clear the alleged rumor of her having pancreatic cancer. Franklin partly shared some information on her health by stating she was having pains in her side, which led her to seek medical attention. After reading an article in a newspaper claiming a family member was the source of the cancer rumor, Franklin felt she needed to address the issue. Her supporters were concerned, and the same concern stretched across the nation ... enough concern where Franklin received a personal letter from US President Barack Obama, and Franklin knew then, it was time to let people know that she was "feeling great and coming along" and she'd soon share what led to her mysterious, emergency procedure.