Legendary singer Aretha Franklin has laughed off reports she underwent gastric bypass surgery in December (10), insisting the rumours about her mystery operation are "crazy".
The Queen of Soul has refused to divulge details about the health crisis which saw her hospitalised last year (10), forcing her to axe a series of concerts.
She denied claims she was being treated for pancreatic cancer, and now Franklin has dismissed the latest speculation surrounding her welfare after shedding 85 pounds (38.5 kilograms) of body fat.
In an interview with U.S. news show Access Hollywood, due to air next week (begs14Mar11), Franklin scoffs at the suggestion, saying, "Definitely not - and would not. I heard that (rumour). I said, 'That is crazy.'"
The superstar remains mum about the specific procedure, only revealing the weight loss is linked, admitting the excess pounds came off "from the surgery that I had".
She adds, "But it definitely was not the bariatric or, what is it, gastric by... Yeah, I can't even tell you the correct name of it. It's really not necessary to talk about one's personal medical (health)."
Franklin recently told U.S. talk show host Wendy Williams she knew it was time to do something about her weight gain after realising she was "too fat for words".