Aretha Franklin Returns Home From Hospital

Legendary soul singer Aretha Franklin has returned home for the holidays, where she will recover from her recent surgery.

"I've been at home for almost three days now," Aretha said in a statement. "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."

While she is out of the hospital, Aretha has yet to reveal the disease she is battling. A relative in Detroit has confirmed to a local television that she is suffering from cancer. If the cancer is in her pancreas, as suggested by several sources, the chances of her survival are very slim.

Nevertheless, the Queen of Soul still has big plans for her convalescence. "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 [theater] before it closes," she explained.

Her rep appeared similarly upbeat about the 'Respect' singer's recovery. "The Queen of Soul is in great spirits and very happy to be home where she will be resting in anticipation of spending the upcoming holiday season with her family," her rep said.



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