Aretha Franklin said her surgery was “highly successful” and thanked well-wishers for their prayers.

In a statement issued in New York, the Queen of Soul said: “God is still in control. I had superb doctors and nurses whom were blessed by all the prayers of the city and the country.” Ms Franklin did not say what she was being treated for in the operation.

Last month, the 68-year-old singer announced she was cancelling all concert dates and personal appearances until May on the orders of her doctors.

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