Aretha Franklin calls off engagement

Soul legend Aretha Franklin has called off her engagement to long-term friend William 'Wilkie' Wilkerson.

The couple announced their engagement in January and revealed plans to marry in the summer but this has now been called off.

In a statement, Franklin said: "Regretfully, Will and I have decided we were moving a little too fast.

"There were a number of things that had not been thought through thoroughly. There will be no wedding at this time."

She added that they will not comment any further as it is a personal and sensitive matter but they do appreciate all the well wishes they have received from friends.

The 69-year-old first met Wilkie 27 years ago when he asked her to sign the cast around his broken leg.

Franklin was extremely successful during the 1960s with the singles 'Respect' and 'Baby I Love You'. She has won 18 Grammys, making her one of the most successful musicians of all time.