Aretha Franklin diagnosed with pancreatic cancer

London, (ANI): 'The Queen of Soul" Aretha Franklin has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

The American singer, 68, who is best known for her signature 1967 song “Respect", is recovering from surgery to treat pancreatic cancer, according to local media in her home city of Detroit, Michigan. She announced last week that she was canceling all her concerts until May on the advice of her doctor, but did not disclose the cause of her illness.

Rev Jesse Jackson, a long-time friend, said that Franklin was recovering very well and was in high spirits. "She's conscious, communicating and taking daily walks up and down the hall," the Telegraph quoted Jesse Jackson as saying.