Soul queen Aretha Franklin is recovering well after undergoing "successful" surgery for a mystery ailment. The I Say A Little Prayer hitmaker was admitted to a Detroit, Michigan hospital for a procedure on Thursday (02Dec10) and has now spoken out to assure fans the operation went well.

In a statement she says, "The surgery was highly successful. God is still in control. I had superb doctors and nurses whom were blessed by all the prayers of the city and the country. God bless you all for your prayers!"

Franklin's health has been at the centre of much speculation recently after doctors ordered her to cancel all concert dates and personal appearances scheduled until May (11), including a Christmas concert in her adopted hometown of Detroit on 9 December (10). (CL/WNWCPL/PAW)

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