When we asked her for a reaction to the news of Aretha Franklin's diagnosis with pancreatic cancer, Patti gave the Queen of Soul a moving tribute, saying: "I called her two weeks before it was publicized, so I knew for a long time that she had pancreatic cancer. And I knew for a long time that she had lost 50 lbs. So, people are going around with bad rumors that she had liposuction - that's not nice. You know, the lady is suffering. I've talked to her manager to see when I should send flowers to her, and all of that kind of stuff. I'm going to go to Detroit just to see her. She's our Queen - you'll never, ever find another one like her. Ever. She's the best! And a lot of people are in pain. I went and lit a candle for her at a cathedral, and you pray for Aretha Franklin now. She will be back. Love you ReRe!"

***

Amazing how time brings about change - not too many years ago it was divatude amongst these two - and it came to a head at Oprah's 40th birthday party backstage...now the two are amicable, and before Ms. Franklin became stricken, she called Ms. LaBelle about the two of them doing a duet.

[Edited 12/16/10 19:06pm]

Very kind and respectful gestures between professional rivals. I hope younger acts take notice.

[Edited 12/16/10 19:48pm]

This is why I love Patti.

Patti!! Patti!!!

Timmy84 said:

This is why I love Patti.

Uhhh, but didn't she confirm what was going on before ReRe or her peeps did? That in itself is kinda shady. Just saying. She didn't have to go into all the details.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jay-weston/arethas-illness-leads-to-_b_799512.html