Aretha Franklin Gets Engaged to Longtime Friend

Aretha Franklin (AP)

Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin got engaged over the holidays to her longtime friend William 'Willie' Wilkerson.

"We're looking at June or July for our date and no, I'm not pregnant, LOL!" the 69-year-old told People magazine Monday.

The engaged couple are discussing tying the knot, possibly on Miami Beach with a reception aboard a private yacht.

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

In 2010, the singer had surgery for an undisclosed ailment and was forced to cancel her performances for six months while she recovered.

She subsequently lost 85 lbs (38 kg) and told the magazine, "I feel fabulous!"

Franklin has four children from two previous marriages.

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