Several reports floated around the Internet Friday afternoon stating that Gladys Knight was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but the legendary singer clarified the speculation.
Knight revealed to WDIV TV that she and Aretha Franklin suffered from the same disease during the “Queen of Soul”‘s funeral. However, the 74-year-old was referring to a breast cancer diagnosis and not pancreatic cancer, The Blast Reported.
“I’d like to clarify that Aretha and I discussed both of us having cancer, mine was stage 1 breast cancer and hers was pancreatic. Due to early detection, I am cancer free and grateful for that,” Knight told the news source in a statement.
“It is unfortunate that on a day we should be celebrating Aretha’s life and massive contribution to our world, a reporter who did not relay accurate information has missed the message. I send my love to the entire Franklin family and my gratitude to them for sharing such an extraordinary person with us,” she added.
Knight’s rep Jay Schwartz said, “Gladys does not have pancreatic cancer. … She is fine.”
The “Midnight Train to Georgia” singer was in great spirits after performing Thursday night at Franklin’s memorial service. She was also recently spotted at the U.S. Open in New York on Wednesday and “got a big reaction from the crowd.”
Knight stated to US Weekly, “I am cancer-free and grateful for that.”
