queen of soul

Aretha Franklin Is Engaged!


Posted on Jan 02, 2012 @ 02:00PM - 5 comments

By Radar Staff

The queen of soul is taking a king. Aretha Franklin is engaged to marry Willie Wilkerson, her rep announced Monday.

The couple is planning to take their walk down the aisle in June or July in Miami.

"Ms. Franklin is considering Donna Karan, Valentino and the queen of wedding dresses, Vera Wang, to design her gown," the rep said.

The queen of soul is taking a king. Aretha Franklin is engaged to marry Willie Wilkerson, her rep announced Monday.

The couple is planning to take their walk down the aisle in June or July in Miami.

"Ms. Franklin is considering Donna Karan, Valentino and the queen of wedding dresses, Vera Wang, to design her gown," the rep said.

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And in case you're wondering, "No, I'm not pregnant," Aretha said.

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Aretha Franklin Released From The Hospital


Posted on Dec 15, 2010 @ 07:41PM - 5 comments

Cancer-Stricken Aretha Franklin will be home for the holidays, RadarOnline.com can confirm. The legendary singer has been released from hospital after undergoing surgery for an undisclosed disease - reported to be pancreatic cancer.

"I've been at home for almost three days now," the singer confirmed in an official statement. "My family and friends who brought me home are taking great care of me.

Cancer-Stricken Aretha Franklin will be home for the holidays, RadarOnline.com can confirm. The legendary singer has been released from hospital after undergoing surgery for an undisclosed disease - reported to be pancreatic cancer.

"I've been at home for almost three days now," the singer confirmed in an official statement. "My family and friends who brought me home are taking great care of me.

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"I also have a private nurse who visits on a daily basis.  I'm hoping to be strong enough to go out and see the upcoming Sam Cooke play at the Music Hall in Downtown Detroit before January 2, as well as a performance of Dreamgirls at the FOX before it closes."

In a report earlier this week, RadarOnline.com confirmed Franklin is not giving up on her battle against the disease, and her rep has reiterated those claims made by her cousin.

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Aretha Franklin Not Giving Up As She Battles Cancer, Says Family


Posted on Dec 09, 2010 @ 06:40AM - 4 comments

Aretha Franklin's cousin says the ailing "Queen Of Soul" is "doing better than doctors expected" and expects to be released from the hospital this weekend, RadarOnline.com has learned.

Aretha Franklin's cousin says the ailing "Queen Of Soul" is "doing better than doctors expected" and expects to be released from the hospital this weekend, RadarOnline.com has learned.

PHOTOS: Aretha Franklin Over The Years

Brenda Corbett told the Detroit Free Press Thursday that Franklin "has a long life in front of her, and will be back in concert, on stage, late spring or early summer."

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The National Enquirer first broke the news that Franklin, 68, is suffering from pancreatic cancer.

As compiled by freep.com, here's a timeline of Franklin's past six weeks:

Oct. 26: Cancels concerts in Virginia and Missouri, citing “health reasons.”

Oct. 29: Is released from a short stay at Sinai-Grace Hospital in Detroit, but remains mum about the nature of the visit.

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Nov. 4: Announces that doctors have ordered her to cancel all concert dates for the next six months, including big shows in Detroit and New York City. Franklin’s spokeswoman declines to reveal medical details, saying only that the singer is “resting comfortably at home” in Bloomfield Hills.

Nov. 23: Despite previously vowing to make it, Franklin fails to appear at her annual Thanksgiving gospel program in Detroit. Artists on hand offer prayers and song dedications for the absent star.

Dec. 2: Undergoes a planned surgery early in the morning. The procedure had not been publicly announced beforehand, but word got out when friends scheduled a public prayer vigil on the eve of the operation. Franklin issues a statement hours later: “I had superb doctors and nurses whom were blessed
by all the prayers of the city and the country.”

Dec. 8: With Franklin still hospitalized, the National Enquirer reports that she has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Family members counter that the singer is “doing well” and will be back on the road by late spring.

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Pancreatic cancer is a particularly vicious form of cancer: Patrick Swayze died last year after battling the disease for 20 months.

Franklin has had strong support from friends including Stevie Wonder, Rev. Jesse Jackson and Della Reese, according to the Enquirer.

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