Aretha Franklin calls off engagement

U.S. recording star Aretha Franklin, 69, says she and her fiance, William "Willie" Wilkerson, have canceled their wedding plans. The singer announced three weeks ago she intended to marry her longtime friend this summer. But she and Wilkerson released a statement Monday explaining the wedding plans had been shelved, People.com reported. "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," the statement said. "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."