Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Jennifer Hudson reveals details of final call with Aretha Franklin days before her death

Hudson plays the Queen of Soul in new biopic

Isobel Lewis
Tuesday 10 August 2021 09:53 EDT
Comments
RESPECT Trailer (2020) Aretha Franklin, Jennifer Hudson

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Jennifer Hudson has revealed details about her final call with Aretha Franklin days before her death.

The Dreamgirls actor was close friends with the Queen of Soul, who died in 2018 aged 76.

Before her death, Franklin handpicked Hudson to play her on screen in forthcoming biopic Respect, with Hudson telling The Hollywood Reporter about their final conversation.

“The last time I heard her voice was August 8,” she said. “It’s odd that here we are again, on August 8, three years later.

“Right after we spoke, they told me she was no longer competent enough to speak but she sang to me on our call and we talked about my son and his cooking. She loves to cook and so does he. I sent her a video of him cooking. I truly miss hearing from her.”

Hudson’s performance as Franklin in Respect has been widely praised by critics, although the film as a whole has received mixed feedback.

Its supporting cast includes Forest Whitaker, Marlon Wayans, Audra McDonald, Marc Maron, Tituss Burgess and Mary J Blige.

The film was originally scheduled for release last summer, but has been delayed multiple time due to the pandemic.

Respect comes to UK cinemas on 10 September

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in