NEW YORK – Aretha Franklin says her surgery was "highly successful" and thanks well-wishers for their prayers. In a statement released Thursday to The Associated Press, the Queen of Soul says: "God is still in control. I had superb doctors and nurses whom were blessed by all the prayers of the city and the country.

Franklin did not say what she was being treated for Thursday.

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