Being the Queen is not all about singing and being a diva is not all about singing. It has much to do with your service to people. And your social contributions to your community and your civic contributions as well.

I love producing, writing. I rarely write with other writers unless I have a real great respect for them. Like Burt Bacharach, or Carole Sager, or Stevie Wonder. Somebody like Smokey - like that. Otherwise, I choose to write alone.

Being a singer is a natural gift. It means I'm using to the highest degree possible the gift that god gave me to use. I'm happy with that.

Don't say Aretha is making a comeback, because I've never been away!

You're a no good heartbreaker, you're a liar, and you're a cheat. I don't know why I let you do these things to me.

My faith always has been and always will be important to me.

The milk of kindness flows through my body, I shall follow Jesus to the Taco Bell and give thanks.