The Queen of Soul confirms that she is indeed engaged to longtime friend William Wilkerson, but quick to clarify the reason she's getting married as saying, 'No, I'm not pregnant, LOL!'
- Jan 3, 2012
AceShowbiz - At the age of 69 years old, Aretha Franklin is ready to tie the knot for the third time. The "Respect" singer, who has won 18 Grammys throughout her career, has become engaged to longtime friend William "Willie" Wilkerson, and is looking to making it official in the summer of 2012.
About the upcoming nuptials, the Queen of Soul told PEOPLE, "We're looking at June or July for our date." The singer, who received a Kennedy Center Honor in 2009, also jokingly clarified that pregnancy scare didn't rush her to the altar. She said, "No, I'm not pregnant, LOL!"
It is said that Aretha's eyeing to wed Willie in Miami Beach, Florida that is followed by an exclusive reception aboard a private yacht. As for her wedding dress, her representative told PEOPLE, "Ms. Franklin is considering Donna Karan, Valentino and the queen of wedding dresses, Vera Wang, to design her gown."
Aretha has been married twice before. She tied the knot with Ted White, who later became her manager, in 1961, before calling it quits in 1969. She was also married to actor Glynn Turman from 1978 to 1984.
