Aretha ponders Hamptons for wedding site
In this photo taken on Dec. 2, 2006 singer Aretha Franklin and William Wilkerson arrive at the US State in Washington, DC. Aretha Franklin, 69, is making plans to tie the knot she said on Jan. 2, 2012. Credit: Getty Images
The Queen of Soul might marry her soul mate on Long Island.
Music legend Aretha Franklin said she is "leaning" toward "the exclusive Hamptons" as the locale for her wedding to longtime friend and beau Willie Wilkerson.
Saying she has friends who have a house there with a private beach, she told The Associated Press, "I'm kind of leaning that way because it's closer to home, and more friends could get there easily." Franklin, 69, originally said she was considering Miami Beach.
"You know I am very hands-on," she said of the wedding preparations. "There is no way in the world anyone else could do my wedding other than myself, along with whomever I select to do various things."
The ceremony would include about 250 guests, she said, adding, "I would love to have Smokey [Robinson] sing, my dearest, oldest friend." Her wish list also includes Stevie Wonder and gospel singer Karen Clark.
As for the wedding dress, Franklin -- who is twice married and divorced and has four sons -- plans to speak with Donna Karan and Vera Wang.
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