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Soul singer Aretha Franklin released a statement on Thursday, December 2 announcing that she underwent a “highly successful” surgery, but the reason for the operation was not clear until now.

On Wednesday, The Detroit News spoke with a source familiar with the situation who said that Franklin has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, an illness which the report pointed out has a poor prognosis.

The Fox news station in Detroit spoke with an unnamed family member who revealed that the legendary singer was doing "OK," but that those close to the 68-year-old ‘Natural Woman’ singer are very concerned.

In response to various media reports, more family members have stepped forward to speak out on the subject. 

Franklin's cousin, Brenda Corbett told the Detroit Free Press, "She has a long life in front of her and will be back in concert, on stage, late spring or early summer. This girl is doing great and [the media] need to stop [speculating]."

In addition, Earline Franklin, the singer's sister-in-law, added, "Aretha is doing absolutely wonderful. All the prayers and well wishes have supported her and she's doing well."

Franklin, who gained fame for her powerful voice in the 1960s, remains a musical favorite. She was the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and recently made headlines as the only featured singer at President Barack Obama's inauguration in 2009. 

The 'Queen of Soul' had been busy at work on her concert tour before the cancer diagnosis.

A direct representative for Franklin could not be reached, but it was announced that the she has canceled all concert appearances through May 2011 due to “medical reasons.”