Aretha Franklin Cancels Shows Under Doctors' Orders

— -- Aretha Franklin has been forced to cancel several upcoming concerts to rest.

The Queen of Soul said in a statement to the Associated Press on Monday that "due to doctors' orders I will have to cancel a few concerts for the next month or so."

Franklin is scrapping an August 26 show at the Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts near the town of Vienna, Virginia and two appearances at Radio City Music Hall in New York City -- a variety special honoring Tony Bennett's recent 90th birthday on September 15 and a solo performance on September 23 -- as well as October appearances in Michigan and Missouri.

The legendary 74-year-old singer, who canceled a Las Vegas show last year due to exhaustion, hopes to return to live performing in November.