Soul queen Aretha Franklin is home for the holidays after being discharged from hospital to recover at home after surgery.

The singer underwent “highly successful” surgery recently for pancreatic cancer and is now being cared for by a private nurse in her home.

In a statement, the ‘Respect’ songstress said:  "I've been at home for almost three days now. My family and friends who brought me home are taking great care of me. I also have a private nurse who visits on a daily basis."

Despite initially being told she had less than a year to live after being diagnosed with the disease – which has a survival rate of only 5 to 10 per cent – Franklin is in “great spirits”.

A rep for the artist said: "The 'Queen of Soul' is in great spirits and very happy to be home where she will be resting in anticipation of spending the upcoming holiday season with her family."

Watch Aretha performing her classic hit 'Respect' below: