FUSE TV - Sharon Jones Diagnosed With Cancer

Sad, but hopefully optimistic, news this morning: Soul singer Sharon Jones has been diagnosed with stage 1 bile duct cancer. The New York City-based singer, 57, was forced to postpone her upcoming tour and August 6 release of new album Give The People What They Want.

Jones released a statement Monday morning revealing that she went through a "series of tests and short hospital stays" after not feeling well in recent weeks. The cancer was discovered in its early stages and doctors have told Jones that it is "operable and curable."

Jones was scheduled to perform with the Dap-Kings this summer in a series of shows throughout the U.S. and Canada. The singer will release a list of rescheduled tour dates, but no word yet on specifics. 

Knowing Jones' frenetic live shows and tireless work ethic, only something serious like this could keep her off the road. But the singer promised fans she'll soon be "getting back on the road to give the people what they want!” And if anyone can be believed to get back on the road ASAP, it's Jones.

Jones was also forced to postpone the release of Give the People What They Want, her fifth album with the Dap-Kings and first since 2010's I Learned the Hard Way.

Here's Jones' full statement:

“Over the last few weeks I haven’t felt good and I didn’t know what was going on. We sadly had to cancel shows while I went through a series of tests and short hospital stays. We just found out that I have a stage-one tumor on my bile duct. Luckily we caught it really early and fast and the doctors say it’s operable and curable!

I will be having surgery very soon and will have to rest and recover. I’ll be staying in touch and keeping my fans and friends updated on my progress. I’m looking forward to getting back on the road to give the people what they want!”