Aretha Franklin's Surgery "Highly Successful"

Following procedure for undisclosed ailment, singer praises "superb doctors and nurses" who are taking care of her

Aretha Franklin is awake and feeling the love.

After undergoing a "highly successful" surgery for an undisclosed ailment, the Queen of Soul praised the medical staff taking care of her and the fans who have been keeping her in their thoughts.

"God is still in control," the 68-year-old singer said in a statement Thursday. "I had superb doctors and nurses whom were blessed by all the prayers of the city and the country."

Devoted Franklin fans, who were surely disappointed when she canceled all performances and appearances through next May in order to focus on her recovery, braved winter chill and held a prayer vigil last night in downtown Detroit.