Chaka Khan enters rehab for prescription pain med abuse

MODESTO, Calif., July 10 (UPI) -- Chaka Khan's representative has confirmed the Grammy Award-winning, R&B icon is undergoing treatment for prescription drug addiction.

Her publicist told the Modesto Bee the artist canceled her Stanislaus County Fair appearance this week because she "voluntarily entered the program to get healthy and stay that way."

Stanislaus County Fair spokeswoman Adrenna Alkhas said Jody Watley and Shalamar will replace Khan.

"We are extremely disappointed Chaka Khan canceled because we knew how much the community was looking forward to it, yet at the same time we wish her the best in her health and full recovery," Alkhas said in a statement. "We are very excited to announce that Jody Watley and Shalamar will be replacing her. They will bring a high-energy performance that our guests will love."

Us Weekly noted Khan was close friends with the late Prince, who died of an overdose in April after a long battle with prescription drug addiction, suggesting Khan may be trying to avoid a similar fate.

Khan had also been to rehab for substance abuse several times in the past, the magazine said.

The 63-year-old recording star is known for her songs "I'm Every Woman," "On the Other Side of the World" and "I Feel For You." She also competed on Season 21 of Dancing with the Stars.