Aretha Franklin hopes to leave hospital soon

Aretha Franklin's cousin says the ailing legendary singer is "doing better than doctors expected" and hopes to be released from the hospital this weekend.

Brenda Corbett told the Detroit Free Press that Franklin "has a long life in front of her and will be back in concert, on stage, late spring or early summer."

Franklin announced last week that she had undergone a surgical procedure. Neither she nor her publicist have said what is ailing the Queen of Soul. Multiple reports on Wednesday said Franklin, 68, has pancreatic cancer.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson told The Associated Press on Wednesday that he visited Franklin four or five times and her spirits "are high and her faith is strong."

Franklin last month canceled all concert dates and personal appearances through May on doctors' orders.

Two in 10 people with pancreatic cancer live at least one year after diagnosis, and fewer than 4 percent will be alive after five years, the American Cancer Society says.

Patrick Swayze died from pancreatic cancer last year. His public battle created awareness of the disease that has no early warning signs.