Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin is reportedly fighting pancreatic cancer, a form of the disease with an extremely high mortality rate.

The “Respect” singer, 68, recently canceled all her upcoming appearances through May after undergoing surgery last week for what had been an undisclosed health issue.

Her illness was reported yesterday by the Detroit News and the National Enquirer. Franklin, who issued a hopeful statement last week, released no comments yesterday.

(With Reuters)

President and CEO of Nassau University Medical Center Thomas Stokes explains the problems caused by the aging infrastructure within the hospital. Newsday Associate Editor Joye Brown reports.  Credit: Newsday/Kendall Rodriguez

Inside look at NUMC's aging infrastructure President and CEO of Nassau University Medical Center Thomas Stokes explains the problems caused by the aging infrastructure within the hospital. Newsday Associate Editor Joye Brown reports.

President and CEO of Nassau University Medical Center Thomas Stokes explains the problems caused by the aging infrastructure within the hospital. Newsday Associate Editor Joye Brown reports.  Credit: Newsday/Kendall Rodriguez

Inside look at NUMC's aging infrastructure President and CEO of Nassau University Medical Center Thomas Stokes explains the problems caused by the aging infrastructure within the hospital. Newsday Associate Editor Joye Brown reports.

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