“That’s Not Aretha!”

The flame burning from my Saint Bea candle has been sending smoky clouds of good thoughts towards Aretha Franklin ever since I learned that she’s down and out in Detroit. Aretha underwent a mystery surgery for a mystery condition last month and some people claimed she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Aretha refused to comment on those rumors then and she’s refusing to comment on that shit now. Ask Aretha about it and the question mark over your head will be replaced with stars when she knocks you out with one of her powerhouse chichis.

Aretha admitted to Jet (via People) that she had a CAT-scan and colonoscopy after suffering a pain to her side. The CAT-scan showed what the problem was, but Aretha wouldn’t say anything more than that. When Jet asked her about the cancer rumors, Aretha got real:

“I am not one to do a lot of talking about my personal health or business. Not too much, not too much. There are a lot of people who will talk about anything, as long as there is somebody listening. But I am not one of those people. That’s not Aretha.

I am not going to even deal with that. I don’t have to talk about my health with anybody other than my doctors. The problem has been resolved.

I want to thank my fans and friends and supporters who have prayed for me and sent me beautiful cards and flowers.”

“That’s Not Aretha” is totally the new “Not the One.”