Aretha Franklin is set to be inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame later this year.
The soul singer is one of six acts to receive the honour this year and will join the ranks of previously inducted Hall of Famers Dolly Parton and Elvis at a ceremony on August 14 in Hendersonville, Tennessee, reports AP via the NY Daily News.
Franklinโs 1972 record โAmazing Graceโ is one of the best-selling gospel albums ever made, selling over two million copies worldwide. This summer Ricky Skaggs, the Hoppers, Dallas Holm, Rex Humbard and Love Song will also join the other 150 artists already in the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
At the start of the year, Aretha Franklin called off her engagement to long-term friend William โWillieโ Wilkerson. The legend, who had been married twice before, announced their plans to tie the knot over the summer, but then said that she realised things were โmoving a little too fastโ.
Franklin released her latest album A Woman Falling Out Of Love last year, her first studio LP since 2003โs So Damn Happy. She recently returned to performing after recovering from a serious illness that saw her lose over six stone in weight.