Aretha Franklin to wed long-time friend

The "Queen of Soul" Aretha Franklin has announced her engagement to her long-time friend William "Willie" Wilkerson, whom she is to marry this summer on a beach in Miami.

The 69-year-old Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter – who has been married twice before – said: "We're looking at June or July for our date – and no, I'm not pregnant."

A spokeswoman confirmed that the couple hope to hold a private party on board a yacht after the nuptials.