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Aretha: I'm Getting Married

Singer says she's ready to marry longtime boyfriend Willie Wilkerson

By Polly Davis Doig,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 2, 2012 12:36 PM CST

(Newser) – The Queen of Soul says she's ready to be an honest woman. Aretha Franklin tells the AP in a statement today that she's getting married to longtime beau Willie Wilkerson. And stop the speculation right now: "No, I'm not pregnant," the 69-year-old jokes. The marriage, which would be Franklin's third, will likely take place this summer in Miami. Click for all things Aretha.

In this May 17, 2011 file photo, singer Aretha Franklin appears at a taping of Surprise Oprah! A Farewell Spectacular, in Chicago.
In this May 17, 2011 file photo, singer Aretha Franklin appears at a taping of "Surprise Oprah! A Farewell Spectacular," in Chicago.   (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File)
In this Feb. 11, 2011 file photo, Aretha Franklin smiles after the Detroit Pistons-Miami Heat NBA basketball game in Auburn Hills, Mich.
In this Feb. 11, 2011 file photo, Aretha Franklin smiles after the Detroit Pistons-Miami Heat NBA basketball game in Auburn Hills, Mich.   (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Soul diva Aretha Franklin performs during the dedication of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial October 16, 2011 in Washington, DC.
Soul diva Aretha Franklin performs during the dedication of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial October 16, 2011 in Washington, DC.   (Getty Images)
In a Tuesday, July 27, 2010 file photo, Aretha Franklin performs at The Mann Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia.
In a Tuesday, July 27, 2010 file photo, Aretha Franklin performs at The Mann Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia.   (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)
Aretha Franklin and William Wilkerson arrive at a dinner hosted by Condoleezza Rice for 2006's Kennedy Center honorees on December 6, 2006.
Aretha Franklin and William Wilkerson arrive at a dinner hosted by Condoleezza Rice for 2006's Kennedy Center honorees on December 6, 2006.   (Getty Images)
Aretha Franklin bangs the gavel after she rang the New York Stock Exchange closing bell Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008. At right is her companion Willie Wilkerson.
Aretha Franklin bangs the gavel after she rang the New York Stock Exchange closing bell Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008. At right is her companion Willie Wilkerson.   (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 7 comments
Kookey90
Jan 2, 2012 3:13 PM CST
Her new husband had better be prepared to be showing "A Little Respect" around the house; he can start off with washing the dishes.   
Observer
Jan 2, 2012 2:57 PM CST
Chain Chain Chains! You go girl!
Rammrodd
Jan 2, 2012 12:43 PM CST
Why she still wear Hallowe'en fright-mask in January?

 
entertainment • Aretha Franklin • celebrity marriage

 
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