Aretha Franklin: 'The Surgery Was Highly Successful'

Aretha Franklin

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, had a successful surgery on Thursday and now has thanked her fans for their support and prayers as she underwent the procedure (for an undisclosed reason).

"The surgery was highly successful," Aretha said in a statement to Access Hollywood following the procedure. "God is still in control. I had superb doctors and nurses whom were blessed by all the prayers of the city and the country. God bless you all for your prayers!"

As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, on Wednesday night Aretha expressed her gratitude to fans and public officials not long after they held a prayer vigil for the singer in her hometown of Detroit.

"Thanks to the City Council for their prayer vigil. And, many thanks to the City for their support. All prayers are good!" Aretha previously said in a statement to Access Hollywood.

Last month Franklin announced that she was canceling all concert dates and personal appearances through May.