Aretha Franklin's Cousin Says She's 'Doing Better Than Expected'

Photo Courtesy - Jeff Fusco/Getty Images(DETROIT) -- Though some media reports place her nearly on her death bed, Aretha Franklin's cousin tells the Detroit Free Press the Queen of Soul is actually doing pretty well.

Brenda Corbett tells the paper, "Aretha is doing better than doctors expected.  She has a long life in front of her and will be back in concert, on stage, late spring or early summer."

Referring to a National Enquirer report citing the extremely low survival rate for pancreatic cancer -- the disease Franklin reportedly has -- Corbett added, "This girl is doing great, and they need to stop it."  She added that the legendary singer may leave the hospital this weekend.

When asked why Franklin refuses to confirm the exact nature of her illness, Corbett said, "It's her private business and she's just not ready to talk about it.  Give her time to heal."

Meanwhile, Franklin's sister-in-law, Earline Franklin, told the paper, "Aretha is doing absolutely wonderful.  All the prayers and well-wishes have supported her, and she's doing well."

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