Aretha Franklin, Queen of Soul, On Her Weight Loss and Her Music Music

Aretha Franklin Soars

The Queen of Soul is feeling lighter these days with a new album and a new outlook

She just released her 38th CD, but the number that excites is 85. That's how many pounds she's dropped since last fall, when she underwent a health scare and surgery (she won't disclose details). Franklin, 69, is now proudly wearing a size 16. Q: What can you tell us about your surgery and ? I definitely did not have , and would not. The weight loss was gradual; I go to the health spa and eat more whole foods. I'd lost 30 pounds before the surgery. My doctor said I'd lose more naturally afterward, and I did.

More on Music

Changing the world with music. Watch
A new album pays tribute to Ray Charles. Watch Q: Are you still dieting? I'm on maintenance. I like my weight exactly where it is. It looks healthy; let's keep it. I'm on the track and up to a mile now at least three times weekly. Q: Have you had to buy a new wardrobe? Absolutely. Nothing fits, and I'm so happy! In fact, tomorrow I have fittings for new gowns. Q: What has been your proudest career moment? My happiest moments were singing with my family (sisters Carolyn and Erma and cousin Brenda). Following that would be the Grammy Legend and Lifetime Achievement awards, National Medal of the Arts, and the Congressional Medal. And singing the national anthem for President Obama. Q: Do you have any plans to retire? Definitely not. Always semiretire, never retire. Who wants to just sit somewhere? I'm a people person. And I love performing. It's the way it is and the way it's going to be. Q: In your opinion, what's the best part of growing older? I couldn't tell you — I don't ever think about it. I'm very young at heart.
Featured AARP Member Benefits See more Entertainment offers > See more Entertainment offers > See more Entertainment offers > See more Entertainment offers > Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures

Close In the next 24 hours, you will receive an email to confirm your subscription to receive emails related to AARP volunteering. Once you confirm that subscription, you will regularly receive communications related to AARP volunteering. In the meantime, please feel free to search for ways to make a difference in your community at Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again.