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Aretha Franklin Debuts a Drastic Weight Loss — and Looks Nearly Unrecognizable
Is that you, Aretha Franklin? The 75-year-old singer debuted a drastic weight loss in a newly posted Instagram pic — and her transformation is so surprising that her fans almost didn’t recognize her.
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The music icon’s friend, performer Ricky Dillard, took to Instagram on Wednesday, Aug. 2 to share a photo of himself posing with Aretha. “#ArethaFranklin looks amazing! She’s reclaiming her time, y’all ? Side note: can I hold one of those Benjis?” he captioned the snapshot. Watch the video below to see Aretha’s transformation.
The “Natural Woman” singer’s loyal fans were quick to comment on Aretha’s shocking new look. “Damn, she looks good!” one person wrote with another adding, “She’s beautiful hands down!” Others have questioned if Aretha is battling a health issue that led her to lose so much weight so quickly.
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Last year, the performer announced she was canceling several of her concerts because she needed to rest. “Due to doctors’ orders I will have to cancel a few concerts for the next month or so,” Aretha said in August 2016. A few years ago it was sadly rumored that Aretha was battling pancreatic cancer but the singer never confirmed nor denied the reports.
Aretha performing in April 2016. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)
Aretha has been open about struggling with weight loss throughout her more than 60-year music career. In the early 1970s, she suddenly dropped 40 pounds during a crash diet. She again lost weight in the early 1990s before soon gaining it back. In 1992, Aretha quit smoking and said her weight subsequently “ballooned.” She has additionally been treated for several undisclosed illnesses over the years which have led to weight losses and gains. We hope Aretha’s latest weight loss is just attributed to her maintaining a healthy lifestyle!
