American singer, songwriter and musician, Aretha Franklin has announced her retirement.
The Queen of Soul made the announcement at a local media outlet adding that she would like to spend time with her grandchildren before they go to college.
Franklin achieved commercial success with songs such as “Respect”, “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” and “Think”; going on to win a total of 18 Grammy Awards.
Franklin will release an album in September that will be produced by legendary musician Stevie Wonder. She added that this will be year her last in concert but she will continue to record music.
Franklin has sold 75 million records worldwide.
In 2010, American bi-weekly magazine, Rolling Stone named her the greatest singer of all time.