Aretha's "year to live" with cancer

By PETE SAMSON

QUEEN of soul ARETHA FRANKLIN is fighting cancer and has less than a year to live, it was reported yesterday.

The Respect singer, 68, is suffering incurable advanced pancreatic cancer, a US mag claimed.

Her family confirmed she had the disease but refused to give details or discuss her prognosis.

Family and friends are "very concerned" but said she is doing well.

Last month the Grammy-winning singer - whose hits include Say A Little Prayer - cancelled all her concerts until next year for "medical reasons".

Last week she had surgery.

The REV JESSE JACKSON visited her in hospital and said she was "recovering and her spirits are high".

He added: "She's doing very well."

Pancreatic cancer killed actor PATRICK SWAYZE last year aged 57.