Aretha Franklin calls off marriage

Aretha Franklin has called off her wedding.

The singer has announced her planned summer nuptials to William 'Willie' Wilkerson are no longer going ahead because things had started to move a "little too fast" in their relationship.

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 - who is notoriously secretive about her private life - announced her engagement to her long-time friend and companion William in January and they had been planning to tie the knot on a yacht in Miami Beach, Florida, in June or July.