by Queen of Soul Aretha Franklinâs surgery from an undisclosed health problem was “highly successful,” states her spokeswoman. The Detroit Free Press reported on Thursday afternoon that the “Respect” singer was “in good spirits and resting comfortably,” citing Franklin’s cousin, Brenda Corbett. “I had superb doctors and nurses whom were blessed by all the prayers of the city and the country,” Franklin said in a statement following the procedure. Last month the Queen of Soul announced she was canceling all concert dates and personal appearances through May 2011 on the orders of her doctors. No reason was given, and her representatives have declined to disclose her illness. On Wednesday (Dec. 1), a day prior to the surgery, organizers, fans and friends including City Councilwoman JoAnn Watson, gathered downtown Detroit in a prayer vigil for Franklin.
