Aretha Franklin gives first interview since leaving hospital

The Queen of Soul – who is reportedly fighting pancreatic cancer – made her comments in an exclusive interview with JET magazine.

The 68-year-old singer told the US publication: “I am putting Aretha together first. We will put Ree Ree together first.

“This is Aretha time to do whatever it is I need to do. But I will talk more later.”

Franklin gave the magazine her first interview since going into hospital for surgery in December.

Speaking from her home in Detroit, where she is recuperating with the help of a private nurse, the Respect singer said: “I feel great. The doctors say I can do whatever I feel like I am up to do.

“Of course, that doesn’t mean any concerts or anything like that. But I can do things around the house, and today I am just piddling around the house.”

She also thanked her many friends – including Oprah Winfrey, former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and singers Smokey Robinson and Dionne Warwick – who sent her their love, support and prayers, and revealed that Stevie Wonder greeted her immediately after her operation.

She said: “Stevie Wonder was there when I came out of surgery and he prayed for me. Those are the things that I really need, loving support and prayer…

“I appreciate every prayer and every well wish that has gone out in my direction from people I know and don’t know.”