Aretha's and Jewel's health scares

The Queen of Soul discusses weight loss, and the pregnant country singer is involved in a car crash.

Mar. 7-13: Jewel And Aretha Respond To Health Concerns

Aretha Franklin and Jewel made headlines this week when responding to concerns over their health.

Franklin, who recently revealed she has lost about 85 pounds, and has undergone surgery for an unspecified ailment, discussed the matter with "Access Hollywood." Franklin's rapid weight loss has contributed to speculation that the Queen Of Soul may have had gastric bypass surgery, but the "Respect" singer said it is not the case.

"That is a surgery that I would never, ever, ever, ever [have]," Franklin said to "Access Hollywood." "If I had to have that surgery I would be fat."

Franklin said one of her cousins had gastric bypass surgery. "She turned green and she did pass," she said.

Franklin prefers not to share the specifics of her surgery. "It's really not necessary ... to talk about one's personal medical [health]," she said. But she admitted that she is feeling much better.

"The doctor did say to me, he said, 'Mrs. Franklin, you are going to feel better than you have felt maybe in 10 or 15 years ... and the surgery that you had is going to add 15 years to your life.'"

Like Franklin, country pop star Jewel also responded to inquiries about her health this week. On Friday, Jewel, who is pregnant, was involved in a car accident with a small fire truck in Stephenville, Texas, TMZ reported.

According to reports, the fire truck crashed into the passenger side of Jewel's car. A rep for the singer released a statement to TMZ: "The singer was taken to the hospital and current medical tests conducted indicate that she and the baby are doing fine."

The "Intuition" singer also sent a message to her fans via Twitter. "Hey everyone, [I was] just released from the ER and my doctor's office, everything is fine. Me and the baby are ok. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers," she wrote.

The fire truck was driven by Erath County commissioner Jim Pack who was en route to put out a grass fire, Ace Showbiz reported. Jewel and her husband, Ty Murray, who is a world champion rodeo athlete, are expecting a baby boy.

Phil Collins has also been in the news because of medical issues. Last week, FHM magazinereported that the Genesis singer was planning to retire due to his health, his desire to spend more time with his children, and his feeling disconnected from today's MTV generation. This week, Collins said some of the reports took his comments out of context. "Many of the articles printed over the last few months have ended up painting a picture of me that is more than a little distorted," Collins said in a statement on his website.

This week's worst news, however, was the death of former Alice In Chains bassist Mike Starr who appeared on Celebrity Rehab and Sober House to confront his long battle with drugs.

In other news, Lady Gaga nixed a deal with Target to release an exclusive version of her Born This Way album due to its support of antigay politics, and Justin Bieber's trip to England caused a riot that prevented him from leaving his hotel.

We're glad that Franklin, Jewel, and Collins are hanging in there, and we wish them all the best of health. Be sure to check back with us next week for another That's Really Week roundup.

THIS WEEK'S TOP 5 MUSIC NEWS STORIES

1) No, No, No - Aretha Franklin says she did not have gastric bypass surgery

2) Unharmed -- Jewel and baby are fine after car crash

3) Exodus -- Phil Collins clarifies retirement reports

4) Unchained - Former Alice In Chains member Mike Starr dies

5) Fandemonium - Wild crowds entraps Justin Bieber in England hotel

News Source: Yahoo