The uncontested Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, has spent the last few months recovering from an unknown illness that has caused her to cancel a string of concerts to undergo surgery.
While the 69 year-old icon has remained mum on the details surrounding her sickness, Franklin insists that she is feeling much better and has since compiled a “bucket list” of things to do before she dies.
What’s on the list you ask?
In true diva fashion, Franklin plans to do it big. Some highlights from the list include a vacation to Egypt and a starring role on the New York stage.
In a recent sit down with People Magazine, Franklin said, “I’m going to sail the Nile before it’s all over. I would like to see the Pyramids and the Sphinx…I want to do Broadway – on my terms.”
What list would be complete without a royal engagement with Queen Elizabeth II? Franklin adds, “I have a standing invitation to have tea with the Queen of England.”
While the thought of Franklin creating a “before I die” list is slightly discomforting, the diva assures fans that her health crisis is over as she sports a slimmer and healthy figure. She is dedicated to staying healthy by embarking on a drastic diet and exercise regime.
“I’m really taking far better care of myself…I feel fabulous… (Designers Marc Jacobs and Oscar de la Renta) are cutting special things just for me,” she says.
Hopefully, with all the preventive methods Franklin is taking to ensure she lives an even longer life, she may not need to be in such a rush to complete this bucket list.
Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, has recently announced her bucket list to the world. This legendary music icon has had a long and successful career that spans over six decades, but now she is ready to take on new challenges. Her inspiring list is filled with exciting goals from around the globe that will surely make for an incredible journey! From exploring ancient ruins in Egypt to visiting Alcatraz Prison in San Francisco, it is clear this diva wants to experience all life has to offer before she takes her final bow. Read on to find out what else made the cut for this dynamic artist’s ultimate wish list!
Overview Of Aretha Franklin’s Life
Aretha Franklin was an iconic American singer and songwriter renowned for her powerful voice. She was born in Memphis, Tennessee in 1942 to a Baptist preacher father and piano-playing mother. Throughout her career, Aretha won 18 Grammy Awards and sold over 75 million records worldwide.
In 2017 she announced her bucket list wish: “to perform at the Super Bowl one day.” That same year, Franklin released her most recent album A Brand New Me – making it her forty-second studio recording of all time! It wasn’t until 2018 that this dream finally came true; she sang “America the Beautiful” at the Super Bowl halftime show with a choir behind her.
After performing on such a big stage, Aretha continued to make music right up until August 2018 when she passed away due to pancreatic cancer. Her legacy will live on through the millions of people who have been touched by her unique sound and spirit.
Details Of The Bucket List
In her last years, Aretha Franklin made a wish that she could perform at the Super Bowl. She knew it would be a big challenge to make this dream come true, but it was a goal that she truly wanted to achieve before she died. Despite having been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2010, Aretha set out to make her bucket list item happen.
At first, she had difficulty getting any traction on the idea of performing at the Super Bowl. However, after releasing her album A Brand New Me and going through extensive medical treatments for her illness, Aretha began campaigning for herself more actively. In late 2017, she finally got an offer from Pepsi – the official sponsor of the halftime show – to sing “America The Beautiful” as part of their collaboration with NBC Sports Group during halftime of Super Bowl LII.
Eagerly accepting the opportunity and determined to fulfill her wish, Aretha prepared diligently for weeks leading up to February 4th when she sang at U.S Bank Stadium in Minneapolis Minnesota – making history not just as one of America’s greatest singers ever but also being the first woman ever to perform solo at a Super Bowl half-time show! Her performance received huge praise from fans all over the world and cemented what many already know; Aretha will always remain an incredibly talented icon who inspired millions with her music.
Conclusion
I have always admired Aretha Franklin for her incredible strength and grace. Her announcement that she has created a bucket list is inspiring and humbling. She has been an iconic figure throughout the decades, from her early gospel recordings to her legendary performances at the Grammys, Aretha’s influence on music history will never be forgotten.
This latest news of her bucket list only further solidifies Aretha as an inspiration to us all. It shows us that even after years of success, there are still goals we can strive towards. This idea encourages me in my own life to continue dreaming big and pushing myself out of my comfort zone. I hope to one day complete some items off of my own bucket list just like Aretha did!
Aretha Franklin is a true icon who continues setting examples for everyone around the world with her strong work ethic, unwavering dedication, and now her bucket list ambitions. We should all take a page from Aretha’s book and start pursuing our dreams no matter how old we are or where we come from.
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