Aretha Franklin will retire this year after album release

Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, has said she plans to hang up the mic later this year.

Franklin told the Detroit TV station WDIV Local 4 that she planned to record an album for release in September before retiring. "I must tell you, I am retiring this year," said Franklin, who was the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Her new album will feature production by Stevie Wonder, and will be an ode to Detroit. It'll be composed of original works and recorded in the Motor City.

"I feel very, very enriched and satisfied with respect to where my career came from and where it is now," Franklin said. "I'll be pretty much satisfied, but I'm not going to go anywhere and just sit down and do nothing. That wouldn't be good either."

There is a caveat; the legendary artist will remain open to "some select things, many one a month, for six months out of the year."

Franklin, who turns 75 this year, has battled with health problems in recent times.

See photos of Aretha Franklin throughout her career:

More to come.