I think Aretha may have set a new record today: shortest engagement ever. After announcing she would be marrying longtime friend William Willie Wilkerson on Jan. 3, a rep for the 69-year-old “Natural Woman” says the couple has decided to hold off on wedding plans.

The statement says:

“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.”

Aww shoot. I wonder if Willie was skimping out on the r-e-s-p-e-c-t? At least the two saw things clearly before moving ahead with their summer 2012 plans and even walking down the aisle. Still something seems funny.

What do you think about Aretha calling off her engagement?

Brande Victorian is a blogger and culture writer in New York City. Follower her on Twitter at @be_vic.

More on Madame Noire!

• He Loves Me: Men Who Just Adore Their Wives
• Trail Blazer! Lead The Pack With These Colorful and Print-Tastic Jackets
• Battling A Bad Breakup? Try NOT To Do Any Of These Things…
• Stereotypes That Black People Uphold
• Lesson for My Future Daughter: Love Your Face… Without Makeup
• Let’s Be Real: Things in Life You Need to Blame Yourself For From Time to Time
• Is ‘The Bachelor’ The ‘Love and Hip Hop’ of White America?

Hopefully the third time will be the charm when it comes to marriages for Aretha Franklin. The Queen of Soul announced that she’s been taken off the market by her good friend, William “Willie” Wilkerson.

It’s not clear whether Aretha and Willie were one of many celebrity engagements to occur this holiday season, but Aretha’s rep confirmed to People that she is in fact getting married.

Ms. Franklin said the couple is contemplating a summer wedding, perhaps in Miami Beach, although she wants the reception to take place on a private yacht. She’s also considering taping Vera Wang, Valentino, or Donna Karan to make her wedding gown.

Sensing the side eyes at her advanced marital age, the 69-year-old joked, “No, I’m not pregnant,” when she made the announcement. That’s definitely good to know.

Aretha first married family acquaintance Ted White in 1961 and the couple divorced eight years later. In 1978, she married actor Glynn Turman from “Cooley High” and “A Different World,” but they ended things in 1984. Seems Aretha’s waited a long time to find the one.

What do you think of her engagement?

Brande Victorian is a blogger and culture writer in New York City. Follower her on Twitter at @be_vic.

More on Madame Noire!

• Yesterday’s Year In Review: The Good and Bad of 2011
• The Top 10 Most Shocking Celebrity Scandals of 2011
• Deuces Before The Due Date! Couples Who Split With Babies On The Way
• Celebrity Hair Spotlight: Selita Ebanks
• Should a Man’s Religion Affect Your Dating Decisions?
• Mane Magic:Ways To Color Your Hair Without Dye