Aretha Franklin Cancels Shows for Six Months

'Queen of Soul' Aretha Franklin has cancelled all her concerts and appearances for the next six months on doctor's advice.

The singer was admitted to hospital in October for an undisclosed issue, but is now "comfortably resting at home."

A statement from her publicist (via BBC and ABC) said, "The award winning songstress sends her sincerest apologies to her loyal followers and colleagues for the cancelled shows."

"Ms. Franklin is resting comfortably at home, but is very anxious to get back on the road to perform for her countless fans around the world."

As Spinner previously reported, Franklin has not been in the rudest health recently. She broke two ribs in August after falling over, confining her to bed rest and causing her to miss performances at two free concerts in New York.

As one of the last greats of soul music, Franklin's schedule of performances was set to be busy for the foreseeable future.

She was set to play a gig at the Fox Theatre in Detroit in December, and two gigs at New York's Radio City Music Hall in February. There is no word on when, or if, those shows will get re-scheduled.

Franklin has won 18 Grammy Awards during her lengthy career, and was the only featured singer at President Obama's inaugaration.

At 68, fans may be fearing that Franklin's temporary lay up may be gearing up towards a graceful retirement, but her spokesman insisted she will recover.

He told the Free Press: "She's not terminally ill. She's not dying."