Aretha Franklin engaged to 'forever friend' William Wilkerson

Aretha Franklin has announced her engagement to William Wilkerson, who she has called her "forever friend".

The couple are said to be holding their wedding in Miami Beach, with an exclusive reception on a private yacht, reports People.

Franklin shared: "We're looking at June or July for our date and no, I'm not pregnant, LOL!"

Her rep revealed that Franklin will consider Donna Karan, Valentino and Vera Wang when designing her wedding gown.

Last year, Franklin was the subject of a week-long tribute organised by The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, held from October 31 to November 5.

She also received the Founder's Award at the 25th anniversary of the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz at the Kennedy Centre on September 12.

Watch a video of Aretha Franklin performing I Say A Little Prayer below: