After Aretha Franklin checked into a Detroit Hospital at 5:00 AM yesterday morning, she underwent a “highly successful” emergency surgery and is recovering well. The singer didn’t reveal the nature of the surgery, but did release the following statement:

“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!”

This surgery comes on the heels of Aretha Franklin, who is now 68 years old, canceling upcoming concert dates and appearances last month, per doctor’s orders. She was seen visiting the Detroit hospital, however, no other details have been revealed.

Fans gathered in Detroit, Michigan to pray for Franklin – after learning her Detroit concert performance on December 9 with The Temptations singer Dennis Edwards had been canceled.

This has been a tough year for Miss Franklin, who fell and broke some ribs in August, and her son Eddie was beaten up in a gas station in Detroit in September.

During a two-day visit to Motor City Detroit, the Rev. Jesse Jackson went to see and pray with Aretha Franklin after her procedure. On Friday, December 3, 2010 as he made his way back to the airport for a flight home to Chicago, the Rev. Jesse Jackson described the legendary soul singer as “recovering, and her spirits are high. She’s doing very well. She’s very prayerful. She’s a woman full of deep religious faith.” Jackson did not say what Franklin is ailing from or where he visited her but Tracey Jordan , the singer’s publicist, confirmed the visit. Jordan spoke to Franklin on Friday morning and reports that she is in good spirits.