Janet Jackson said in a statement Wednesday that she does not have cancer after rumors swirled online about her health on the heels of the singer canceling several concert dates due to illness.
“The rumors are untrue. I do not have cancer. I am recovering,” Jackson said in a video released on Twitter, captioned “From my lips…” and set to her song “The Great Forever.”
“Thank you for your prayers and love.”
The singer announced in December that she would postpone several 2016 dates on her “Unbreakable” world tour, telling fans in a Twitter note that she had been advised to have surgery.
“I need you to know, I learned today, from my doctors that I must have surgery soon,” she wrote. “It breaks my heart to tell you that I am forced to postpone the Unbreakable Tour until the spring.”
Jackson didn’t elaborate on her condition at the time, saying, “There will be no further comment.”
A RadarOnline.com article published Tuesday speculated she was undergoing tests for a growth on her vocal chords that could be cancerous. The report cited an unnamed source, and other media outlets picked up the story.
The “No Sleeep” singer’s team decided to address the rumors, citing widespread concern for her health in a Twitter post on Wednesday.
“It was Janet’s wish not to make any further comments about her health, however, because of the great concern from around the world, Janet will be releasing a personal message shortly.”
Jackson, 49, told fans in December she’d be back onstage soon. “Please pray for me, my family and our entire company during this difficult time,” she asked.
The singer postponed several tour dates in October after being advised by doctors to rest her voice, saying she’d return to make up the concerts.
Jackson’s latest release, “Unbreakable,” is her seventh album to chart at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
