Aretha Franklin Released From Hospital

LATEST: Soul veteran Aretha Franklin was released from hospital yesterday (24MAR04) after being treated for an allergic reaction to antibiotics - just in time for her birthday.

The R.E.S.P.E.C.T. singer was admitted to SINAI-GRACE HOSPITAL in Detroit, Michigan, on Saturday (20MAR04), after she coughed up some blood while on her tour bus, while making her way from Chicago, Illinois, according to her doctor CLAUD YOUNG.

Young says Franklin had an apparent allergic reaction to the penicillin she took while on the road, adding she was since put on medication which brought her platelet level back to normal.

Franklin smiled, waved and gave a thumbs-up to fans who gathered at the hospital when she was released.

And the legendary singer's release is a point of extra celebration - because she turns 62 today (25MAR04).