ARETHA FRANKLIN

Following her dramatic weight loss, the Queen of Soul gives Closer an update on her health.

THE QUEEN OF SOUL CLEARS UP THOSE NASTY RUMORS ABOUT HER WEIGHT LOSS

Don’t believe that chain of fools who have been spreading false reports about Aretha Franklin’s health situation. “I’m doing very well,” the Queen of Soul tells Closer. “I have lost a lot of weight due to the side effects from my medicine, but all of my tests are very good!”

Aretha declined to discuss the details of the drugs she’s been prescribed — she calls it “a matter of private medical info” — but she’s dealt with gastrointestinal issues in the past.

Those struggles contributed to her decision to bid farewell to touring earlier this year, but that doesn’t mean Aretha’s retiring. “I have a Realtor looking for space for a nightclub” in Detroit, she says. She plans to move back to her hometown from Bloomfield Hills, Mich., in the spring.

She’s also recording a new album featuring fellow Motown veterans Stevie Wonder and Lionel Richie. Plus, “I’m still working on a duet with Elton John,” she says of her planned pairing with the flamboyant pop legend on his classic hit “Your Song.”

Now that she’s no longer on the road, Aretha says, “I will be spending more time with my grandchildren and family,” including her four sons. And she’ll no doubt share some of the wisdom she’s attained (she turned 75 this year). “Trust your judgment, but always leave room to be wrong,” she says. “And consider the facts!” That’s advice we can definitely R-E-S-P-E-C-T! — Bruce Fretts,

with reporting by Ilyssa Panitz