If ever there was any question as to how much differently society treats engagements and marriages, look no further than Aretha Franklin. About three weeks ago, the legendary singer and her partner Willie Wilkerson decided to take their love to another level. A summer wedding was announced, and she openly gushed about showing off her new figure in a wedding dress. Now it looks like that won’t happen. The ceremony has been called off on account of things moving too quickly, and fan outrage has been minimal at best.
Most people think of engagements like extended shit-or-get-off-the-pot windows. If either party has second thoughts and wants to pull out, better they do it before a more formal commitment is made. Even if the excuse is a bit flimsy, as it is in this case, it’s sort of a no harm, no foul scenario.
Here’s the official statement Aretha gave courtesy of The Los Angeles Times…
"Will and I have decided we were moving a little too fast, and there were a number of things that had not been thought through thoroughly. There will be no wedding at this time. We will not comment on it any further because of the very personal and sensitive nature of it. We appreciate all of the many well wishes from friends."
To be perfectly honest, I really want to know what wasn’t “thought through thoroughly”. Besides being a tongue twister of the highest order, the phrase is just open ended enough to inspire plenty of speculation. Is that a money issue? A where are we going to live issue? My guess is we’ll never find out, but props to Aretha and Willie for discussing these issues ahead of time.
Pop Blend wishes the pair nothing but the best of luck whether they break up, remain committed but unmarried or reverse course and tie the knot.
