Franklin set for hospital release

Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin is “doing better than doctors expected” and expects to be released from hospital in Detroit this weekend.

Her cousin Brenda Corbett says that Franklin “has a long life in front of her and will be back in concert, on stage, late spring or early summer”.

Franklin, 68, announced last week that she had undergone a surgical procedure. Neither she nor her publicist have given details.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson said he visited Franklin four or five times and her spirits “are high and her faith is strong”.

She has cancelled all concert dates and personal appearances until May on doctors’ orders.