Singer Aretha Franklin has pancreatic cancer

Aretha Franklin is suffering from pancreatic cancer, a source familiar with the situation has told The Detroit News.

Franklin, 68, has been quiet about the nature of the illness that caused her to cancel all upcoming events, although she did say last week that she'd successfully undergone a surgical procedure.

Separately, WJBK-TV in Detroit also posted Wednesday that Franklin has cancer, attributing the information to "a close relative."

The Detroit News contacted Franklin's publicist, Tracey Jordan, who did not have a comment from the Queen of Soul.

Franklin's longtime friend, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, said in an interview with The Associated Press that he has visited with the legendary singer four or five times recently, including a few days ago, and that Franklin's "spirits are high, and her faith is strong."