"I Am Just Thankful For God's Grace"

BY CLARENCE WALDRON

Aretha Franklin is standing in her spacious kitchen as she tells JET what she bought at the grocery store earlier that day. She's got "a lot of good stuff", she says, rattling off the ingredients for what she calls "an Aretha salad." Radishes, tomatoes, red onions, olives, carrots, just a little shredded cheese, topped off with ranch dressing and a little lemon. "It is just too good when you get down to the last third of a salad - what I call the 'heart' of the salad, when all of those seasonings come together", she exclaims.

At this point in her life, she prefers "organic food, all-natural food", and "different things free of gluten", she says.

"It's a new chapter in my life", she declares. "It's a brand new me - I am still the same but with some changes."

Franklin's fans worldwide saw the "slimmed-down Aretha" and "the pink gown" she wore in a taped greeting for the Grammy Awards. She has lost 25 pounds, she reveals, since a Dec. 2 surgery for an undisclosed illness that she has not discussed publicly. Franklin announced last year that she was canceling all concert dates until May at her doctor's request.

"I am not one to do a lot of talking about my personal health or business", she told JET earlier this year during an exclusive interview. But she told fans, "The problem has been resolved. The doctors are satisfied, I am satisfied, my family is satisfied."

Franklin reiterated to JET that she's not discussing the topic. "I've pretty much said all there is to say. I've left all that behind me."

Today, she is focused on making healthy choices for her life.

"I go to the healthier foods that are less chemically treated", Franklin says. "Now I have a cleaner, healthier diet. I am drinking lots of water to get rid of the toxins in my body. It's a natural flushing. Water flushes your system and is also very good for your skin."

And with the new weight loss, she says, "I am going to get a little sassier. Yes, I am going to get a little sassier now."

Franklin recalls her old eating habits: "I used to have hamburgers coming and going, especially when I was on the road. Now, occasionally I will still have that quarter pounder because I love fast food, but you have to keep it to a minimum. I am now opting for salads and just healthier lunches."

This time in her life finds the Queen of Soul working out like she never has before. She does about 30 minutes of cardio three times a week. "If I can work in that fourth day, I'll do it." She has a personal trainer and likes walking on the treadmill of her suburban Detroit home and on the track at a health club.

She remains under her doctors' care. "They want me to build up my stamina and strength so that I am ready for my concert tour in the spring."

Franklin said she appreciated the all-star musical tribute she received during the Grammys from Jennifer Hudson, Yolanda Adams, Christina Aguilera, Martina McBride and Florence Welch. "I couldn't wait until they came on. I sat right in front of the TV with a cup of banana pudding and loved every minute of it. Everyone was wonderful, Jennifer, Christina, everyone. And they looked fabulous. But I especially loved Yolanda. She put it where it was. Bravo, ladies."

Franklin says she's celebrating her March 25 birthday with a private soiree with family and friends in New York. "A lady doesn't tell her age", she laughs.

Her birthday wish is to drop one more dress size. She has already dropped three.

"By my birthday I will be a 16 - that's my birthday wish and I just want to continue my super maintained health."

She says, "I look wonderful to myself at size 14 or 16. But 16 is OK too. I will rest my case at 16." And she notes that, "Brothers like it and I like 'giving him something he can feel'", she says with a a laugh, referring to her '70s soul classic from the movie Sparkle.

A 12-CD box set, Take a Look: Aretha Franklin Complete On Columbia, drops March 22, and it includes all of the music she recorded on the Columbia Records label from 1960-1965 before she switched to Atlantic Records and was crowned the Queen of Soul.

The box set marks the 50th anniversary of her pop-soul recording career.

"I played it myself here at the house. I love all of the cuts. I sang along to the music. I still knew all the words. It brings back special memories. It is so special to be doing music 50 years later."

Her long-awaited CD of brand-new music, Aretha: A Woman Falling Out Of Love, is set for release in May and will be available at Walmart.

The singer's celebrity friends and fans are rejoicing in her recovery as they count the days to her return to the concert stage.

Longtime family friend Rev. Jesse Jackson prayed with her during her illness and accompanied her to a recent Detroit Pistons game in the city.

"I am excited, delighted and thrilled that she has pulled through with such amazing strength and faith. Through even the most difficult time, her faith shines through like a light in the darkness. She has deep, deep religious roots. And the amazing thing about Aretha is that she remains current. She is still creating new music and releasing CDs. She is superior in her craftsmanship and her values."

Scholar Michael Eric Dyson visited Franklin during the holiday season and recently told JET: "I am so thrilled to see the Queen of Soul on the mend and back in public view. I can't wait to hear that majestic voice once again cascading down on us in full force ... It was amazing to see her looking so beautiful and regal on television during the Grammys broadcast.

Dyson adds, "When she finally makes her first appearance in public to sing again, I want to be right on the front row cheering her on ..."

Recalling her road back to the spotlight, Franklin says, "I am just thankful for God's grace and people's prayers. I know that He is able to carry your right on through. Don't be discouraged if you are having a hard time -- hang tough", she says. "Trust in God. He will make a way for you, if you try Him. Surely He is able. I never doubted that for a moment."

[Edited 2/28/11 14:34pm]

"I sat right in front of the TV with a cup of banana pudding and loved every minute of it."

Gal still has food on the mind. Bless you, Queen. Dieting is a mother......! I am 50 pounds overweight right now - almost in a panic over it. Can't seem to turn it around...

Off track of the post a little bit, but where is Rosie O D with her bullshit? She chased Star Jones around a table on a daily basis, calling her out on her private surgery, and lack of disclosure. Rosie is not brave enough to challenge Ree on this bullshit. Let me shut up now, before I start to get really stupid angry.

allsmutaside said:

"I sat right in front of the TV with a cup of banana pudding and loved every minute of it."

Gal still has food on the mind. Bless you, Queen. Dieting is a mother......! I am 50 pounds overweight right now - almost in a panic over it. Can't seem to turn it around...

Off track of the post a little bit, but where is Rosie O D with her bullshit? She chased Star Jones around a table on a daily basis, calling her out on her private surgery, and lack of disclosure. Rosie is not brave enough to challenge Ree on this bullshit. Let me shut up now, before I start to get really stupid angry.

I don't think she'll overdo it. Right now at her age, she can't afford to relapse. It happens but I hope she keeps her mind right whatever is going on. God bless her.

As for Rosie, if she does talk shit about Aretha, she'll be blackballed from the industry and I think she knows that.

[Edited 2/28/11 15:13pm]

JET photos are nice. The story was typical Aretha, dodge ball at its best - I guess that is what a 'Queen' can do. LOL

Pancreatic cancer, NOT!

The "sassier" Aretha hahaha wonder now that she has trimmed down, will she dance like she used to in her heyday?

Dance, you mean the happy feet with a dip, LOL

Timmy84 said:

The "sassier" Aretha hahaha wonder now that she has trimmed down, will she dance like she used to in her heyday?

RnBAmbassador said:

Dance, you mean the happy feet with a dip, LOL

Timmy84 said:

The "sassier" Aretha hahaha wonder now that she has trimmed down, will she dance like she used to in her heyday?

Well yeah but still... That girl could dip like no one's business. Especially in the '60s and '70s.

It's so good to hear and read Ms. Franklin is up in about and in good spirits.

Her beloved cousin Brenda look like Ann Nesby lol

Once people get the new JET Magazine, I wonder if it will sink in that, Aretha Franklin had a procedure alright, and it was not for pancreatic cancer.

I guess in the end one's personal health or issues related to obesity, etc. are not everyone's business, but would the Grammys have feted a person just because they had weight reduction, or would prayer vigils have been held?

The surgery for weight reduction is very dangerous and I can see fear and apprehension - but apparently she is gonna leave the telling about it out of the equasion - as she said in the JET story. She says she is happy, her doctors and family are happy and that is all that matters.

All hail The Queen!

http://www.detnews.com/ar...-Wednesday

RnBAmbassador said:

Once people get the new JET Magazine, I wonder if it will sink in that, Aretha Franklin had a procedure alright, and it was not for pancreatic cancer.

I guess in the end one's personal health or issues related to obesity, etc. are not everyone's business, but would the Grammys have feted a person just because they had weight reduction, or would prayer vigils have been held?

The surgery for weight reduction is very dangerous and I can see fear and apprehension - but apparently she is gonna leave the telling about it out of the equasion - as she said in the JET story. She says she is happy, her doctors and family are happy and that is all that matters.

All hail The Queen!

I remember when Star Jones ('The View') had this same procedure and lied about it She was going around saying that diet and exercise is the reason for her rapid weightloss.I was like "yeah,right!",lol.

I still can't see why some famous people don't want others to know they had this procedure.As far as I can see,it's a good operation to have.It saves their lives.

So she got gastric bypass and never had cancer? I hope so....Long live the Queen!!

I'm happy for her! That was a heavy 25 lbs though. I see ya Ms. Franklin I wish her well in all of her endeavors. I must admit I am a little scared about her being even more sassy than she's been. Aretha was never scared to show her...(self) before the weight loss. That front row at her concert better watch now

Musicslave said:

I'm happy for her! That was a heavy 25 lbs though. I see ya Ms. Franklin I wish her well in all of her endeavors. I must admit I am a little scared about her being even more sassy than she's been. Aretha was never scared to show her...(self) before the weight loss. That front row at her concert better watch now

It appears this procedure done in December was the SECOND on. I think she was in the hospital back in October. I'm thinking she had some sort of complication from first procedure and had to return for some revision. The same thing happened to my sister who had RNY gastric bypass surgery. She had a leak after first surgery and couldn't eat for nearly 2 months. She had to get feedings through an IV. She went in to have the revision and recovered nicely. She is doing well today.

Aretha lost 25 pounds since December 2. I would imagine the interview took place sometime in January so can you imagine losing 25 pounds in one month??

I would say the bulk of her weight loss occured before Dec. 2.

Aretha was in hospital in late October for about 5 days, then back again for an 8 day or say stay Dec. 2nd.

The interview with JET happened on February 5th.

Reports stated that she had lost 100 plus pounds from the two hospital stays.

There was one more hospital stay on or about Dec. 21st for dehydration.

The 25lbs would be since she was released in December.

It is obvious that Miss Franklin in total has lost way more than 25 total pounds.

Her weight loss was obvious on October 15th at Albertina Walker's funeral in Chicago, over 4 months ago.

prodigalfan said:

Musicslave said:

I'm happy for her! That was a heavy 25 lbs though. I see ya Ms. Franklin I wish her well in all of her endeavors. I must admit I am a little scared about her being even more sassy than she's been. Aretha was never scared to show her...(self) before the weight loss. That front row at her concert better watch now

It appears this procedure done in December was the SECOND on. I think she was in the hospital back in October. I'm thinking she had some sort of complication from first procedure and had to return for some revision. The same thing happened to my sister who had RNY gastric bypass surgery. She had a leak after first surgery and couldn't eat for nearly 2 months. She had to get feedings through an IV. She went in to have the revision and recovered nicely. She is doing well today.

Aretha lost 25 pounds since December 2. I would imagine the interview took place sometime in January so can you imagine losing 25 pounds in one month??

I would say the bulk of her weight loss occured before Dec. 2.

SoulAlive said:

RnBAmbassador said:

Once people get the new JET Magazine, I wonder if it will sink in that, Aretha Franklin had a procedure alright, and it was not for pancreatic cancer.

I guess in the end one's personal health or issues related to obesity, etc. are not everyone's business, but would the Grammys have feted a person just because they had weight reduction, or would prayer vigils have been held?

The surgery for weight reduction is very dangerous and I can see fear and apprehension - but apparently she is gonna leave the telling about it out of the equasion - as she said in the JET story. She says she is happy, her doctors and family are happy and that is all that matters.

All hail The Queen!

I remember when Star Jones ('The View') had this same procedure and lied about it She was going around saying that diet and exercise is the reason for her rapid weightloss.I was like "yeah,right!",lol.

I still can't see why some famous people don't want others to know they had this procedure.As far as I can see,it's a good operation to have.It saves their lives.

I don't know. It kinda annoys me when some people think they have a right know everything about your life because you're a public figure. Anything goes, no it doesn't. Ms. Jones would have been better served if she had said, it's none of your business and I'm not talking about it. Instead she lied, hence the drama and for what?

Aretha Franklin owes no one an explanation about her health, no one. Ms. Franklin has always been private person. I've been amazed at some of the things I've read things on this board after she denied she had cancer, some seemed upset the couldn't put the woman in a box. "She knows she has cancer", she's in denial . . . . amazing.

=============

[Edited 3/2/11 9:17am]

TD3 said:

SoulAlive said:

I remember when Star Jones ('The View') had this same procedure and lied about it She was going around saying that diet and exercise is the reason for her rapid weightloss.I was like "yeah,right!",lol.

I still can't see why some famous people don't want others to know they had this procedure.As far as I can see,it's a good operation to have.It saves their lives.

I don't know. It kinda annoys me when some people think they have a right know everything about your life because you're a public figure. Anything goes, no it doesn't. Ms. Jones would have been better served if she had said, it's none of your business and I'm not talking about it. Instead she lied, hence the drama and for what?

Aretha Franklin owes no one an explanation about her health, no one. Ms. Franklin has always been private person. I've been amazed at some of the things I've read on things on board after she denied she had cancer, some seemed upset the couldn't put the woman in a box. "She knows she has cancer", she's in denial . . . . amazing.

I agree with everything you said,but I just that think she (Aretha) could have saved herself alot of trouble by simply issuing a press statement confirming she had a gastric bypass operation.That way,all of these crazy rumors wouldn't have surfaced.It was a crazy situation,lol.Even her good friend Patti LaBelle was mistaken about what was really going on

SoulAlive said:

TD3 said:

I don't know. It kinda annoys me when some people think they have a right know everything about your life because you're a public figure. Anything goes, no it doesn't. Ms. Jones would have been better served if she had said, it's none of your business and I'm not talking about it. Instead she lied, hence the drama and for what?

Aretha Franklin owes no one an explanation about her health, no one. Ms. Franklin has always been private person. I've been amazed at some of the things I've read on things on board after she denied she had cancer, some seemed upset the couldn't put the woman in a box. "She knows she has cancer", she's in denial . . . . amazing.

I agree with everything you said,but I just that think she (Aretha) could have saved herself alot of trouble by simply issuing a press statement confirming she had a gastric bypass operation.That way,all of these crazy rumors wouldn't have surfaced.It was a crazy situation,lol.Even her good friend Patti LaBelle was mistaken about what was really going on

Aretha tells Wendy she lost 85 pounds, said it was gradual. I missed Part 1 this morning but it may be on BET later on tonight. Anyway here's an article:

[img:$uid]http://i.usatoday.net/communitymanager/_photos/lifeline-live/2011/03/01/arethax-wide-community.jpg[/img:$uid]

Aretha Franklin: 'I've lost about 85 pounds'

Aretha Franklin didn't reveal what health issues she has been battling, but the Queen of Soul did tell Wendy Williams that she has lost "about" 85 pounds in recent months.

"It was gradual," Franklin said, in an interview on The Wendy Williams Show that was taped on Feb. 25.

The singer recalled that her illness issues started with "pain" that was "so hard it brought me to my knees." A month later she had nother pain in her side.

Williams said she heard it was "abdominal surgery," and Franklin replied, "Is that what you heard? Well, a lot of things were said. I've left that behind. I'm feeling wonderful. I couldn't be feeling any better than I'm feeling right now."

Williams asked Aretha to come on Dancing With The Stars and sing while she dances. Part two of the interviews airs tomorrow on The Wendy Williams Show.

See photos of: Aretha Franklin

[Edited 3/2/11 8:56am]

Patti LaBelle, is not and never has been Aretha Franklin's good friend, as a matter of fact they have had a very difficult co-existence in the world of popular music.

Over the years they have gotten better - but, good friend is a mischarecterization.

On Wendy Willams today, Franklin named Chaka Khan, Dionne Warwick and Cissy Houston as her women buddies in the business.

Franklin also totally igged the question about abdomninal surgery and further said she was too fat to look at and had to get the weight off of her.

Cancer stories can go to hell - this woman IMHO had some sort of two tier weight loss 'procedure' - and she looks a whole lot better. The lady was sassy and had Williams get out of her face while she was up shaking her ass as she would dance on DANCING WITH THE STARS.

Timmy84 said:

SoulAlive said:

I agree with everything you said,but I just that think she (Aretha) could have saved herself alot of trouble by simply issuing a press statement confirming she had a gastric bypass operation.That way,all of these crazy rumors wouldn't have surfaced.It was a crazy situation,lol.Even her good friend Patti LaBelle was mistaken about what was really going on

Musicslave said:

I'm happy for her! That was a heavy 25 lbs though. I see ya Ms. Franklin I wish her well in all of her endeavors. I must admit I am a little scared about her being even more sassy than she's been. Aretha was never scared to show her...(self) before the weight loss. That front row at her concert better watch now

It looked more than 25 but I'm thinking Aretha meant since the surgery, however, in the Wendy interview, she said it was 85 but maybe it's been 25 since last month lol

SoulAlive said:

TD3 said:

I don't know. It kinda annoys me when some people think they have a right know everything about your life because you're a public figure. Anything goes, no it doesn't. Ms. Jones would have been better served if she had said, it's none of your business and I'm not talking about it. Instead she lied, hence the drama and for what?

Aretha Franklin owes no one an explanation about her health, no one. Ms. Franklin has always been private person. I've been amazed at some of the things I've read on this board after she denied she had cancer, some seemed upset the couldn't put the woman in a box. "She knows she has cancer", she's in denial . . . . amazing.

I agree with everything you said,but I just that think she (Aretha) could have saved herself alot of trouble by simply issuing a press statement confirming she had a gastric bypass operation.That way,all of these crazy rumors wouldn't have surfaced.It was a crazy situation,lol.Even her good friend Patti LaBelle was mistaken about what was really going on

Maybe but maybe not. I'm not so sure if Ms. Franklin had released a statement folks would've believed it or still made up stuff. Really, that's on "them" not her; it's a fine line between speculation and out and out lying. Which means Ms. LaBelle should've kept her mouth shut, of all people, and how ironic. I'm not surprised but still amazed.

TD3 said:

SoulAlive said:

I agree with everything you said,but I just that think she (Aretha) could have saved herself alot of trouble by simply issuing a press statement confirming she had a gastric bypass operation.That way,all of these crazy rumors wouldn't have surfaced.It was a crazy situation,lol.Even her good friend Patti LaBelle was mistaken about what was really going on

Maybe but maybe not. I'm not so sure if Ms. Franklin had released a statement folks would've believed it or still made up stuff. Really, that's on "them" not her; it's a fine line between speculation and out and out lying. Which means Ms. LaBelle should've kept her mouth shut, of all people, and how ironic. I'm not surprised but still amazed.

Shit I'd believe it. But Patti should've shut her fat mouth. I'm actually angry at her. I'm becoming more of an Aretha fan as time goes on.

Timmy84 said:

TD3 said:

Maybe but maybe not. I'm not so sure if Ms. Franklin had released a statement folks would've believed it or still made up stuff. Really, that's on "them" not her; it's a fine line between speculation and out and out lying. Which means Ms. LaBelle should've kept her mouth shut, of all people, and how ironic. I'm not surprised but still amazed.

Shit I'd believe it. But Patti should've shut her fat mouth. I'm actually angry at her. I'm becoming more of an Aretha fan as time goes on.

Wasn't Patti always jealous of Aretha's (Queen of Soul) status anyway?

Musicslave said:

Timmy84 said:

Shit I'd believe it. But Patti should've shut her fat mouth. I'm actually angry at her. I'm becoming more of an Aretha fan as time goes on.

Wasn't Patti always jealous of Aretha's (Queen of Soul) status anyway?

Yeah that's why she made an ass of herself IN FRONT of Ree Ree here:

And:

I usually NEVER did this with Patti but she made me leave my seat and cover my ears. Her singing Ree's song here was like hearing claws on a chalkboard! I can now see why she and Fantasia are often compared. I ignored it for a while.

Timmy84 said:

Musicslave said:

I'm happy for her! That was a heavy 25 lbs though. I see ya Ms. Franklin I wish her well in all of her endeavors. I must admit I am a little scared about her being even more sassy than she's been. Aretha was never scared to show her...(self) before the weight loss. That front row at her concert better watch now

It looked more than 25 but I'm thinking Aretha meant since the surgery, however, in the Wendy interview, she said it was 85 but maybe it's been 25 since last month lol

Either way it's all gravy baby. I'm just glad she's still here! If she's going to continue to lose at this rate, she may want to consider some lipo, plastic surgery or something to deal any excess loose skin. Not trying to be funny.

Musicslave said:

Timmy84 said:

It looked more than 25 but I'm thinking Aretha meant since the surgery, however, in the Wendy interview, she said it was 85 but maybe it's been 25 since last month lol

Either way it's all gravy baby. I'm just glad she's still here! If she's going to continue to lose at this rate, she may want to consider some lipo, plastic surgery or something to deal any excess loose skin. Not trying to be funny.

I'm sure she probably is. I think Aretha may really show off a newer look by May. I'm kinda feeling that vibe right now. By the time she gets back on the stage, we may see an even slimmer Aretha kicking ass.

Backstage at the Kennedy Center that night after Patti destroyed "Ain't No Way", and actually it was so bad - they re-did it and the tv audience saw the better take - but anyway, back to backstage - Aretha walked up to Patti mockingly acted like she was choking her and said something to the effect of her messing up her song, Patti teared up and Aretha said she was kidding and that she recovered on the second take.

Miss Holt was always jealous of Aretha's Queen of Soul status. She always thought they were very similar in style and didn't understand why Areth became so big in stature and she didn't. The main difference in Patti LaBelle and Gladys Knight as compared to Aretha Franklin, is that their biggest chunkc of fame were as parts of groups. Patti LaBelle and The Bluebelles and LaBelle; and Gladys Knight and The Pips respectively. Aretha has been a career long solo singer.

Timmy84 said:

Musicslave said:

Wasn't Patti always jealous of Aretha's (Queen of Soul) status anyway?

Yeah that's why she made an ass of herself IN FRONT of Ree Ree here:

And:

I usually NEVER did this with Patti but she made me leave my seat and cover my ears. Her singing Ree's song here was like hearing claws on a chalkboard! I can now see why she and Fantasia are often compared. I ignored it for a while.

[Edited 3/2/11 11:58am]

RnBAmbassador said:

Backstage at the Kennedy Center that night after Patti destroyed "Ain't No Way", and actually it was so bad - they re-did it and the tv audience saw the better take - but anyway, back to backstage - Aretha walked up to Patti mockingly acted like she was choking her and said something to the effect of her messing up her song, Patti teared up and Aretha said she was kidding and that she recovered on the second take.

Miss Holt was always jealous of Aretha's Queen of Soul status. She always thought they were very similar in style and didn't understand why Areth became so big in stature and she didn't. The main difference in Patti LaBelle and Gladys Knight as compared to Aretha Franklin, is that their biggest chunkc of fame were as parts of groups" Patti LaBelle and The Bluebelles and LaBelle; and Gladys Knight and The Pips respectively. Aretha has been a career long solo singer.

Timmy84 said:

Yeah that's why she made an ass of herself IN FRONT of Ree Ree here:

And:

I usually NEVER did this with Patti but she made me leave my seat and cover my ears. Her singing Ree's song here was like hearing claws on a chalkboard! I can now see why she and Fantasia are often compared. I ignored it for a while.

I know Aretha was the woman who Patti didn't mention that she claimed "hurt" her. If that's all Aretha did was mockingly choke her and said she messed up the song (which she did!), then Patti should've woman up and not let it effect her like that! Ugh.