Aretha Franklin calls off marriage

Los Angeles: Singer Aretha Franklin has called off her marriage to William `Willie` Wilkerson. The ‘Respect’ singer was due to exchange wedding vows with Wilkerson this summer but they are no longer going ahead because they felt things had started to move a "little too fast" in their relationship, reports contactmusic.com. A statement signed "Aretha and Will" read: "Regretfully, To Our Friends and Supporters: Will and I have decided we were moving a little too fast, and there were a number of things that had not been thought through thoroughly. There will be no wedding at this time." "We will not comment on it any further because of the very personal and sensitive nature of it. We appreciate all of the many well wishes from friends." The 69-year-old soul legend had been very secretive about her private life. She announced her engagement to her long-time friend and companion William in January and they were planning to tie the knot on a yacht in Miami Beach, Florida, in June or July. IANS