Soul legend Aretha Franklin has decided to take a break from limelight for the foreseeable future.

The 66-year-old 'Queen of Soul' was due to perform at the New Orleans Jazz Festival this April, but announced to organisers that she would be pulling out.

Event producer Quint Davis told the BBC: "She decided not to do any more work for a while."

However, Davis continued that Franklin may still be involved in futures festivals, adding: "She's made it clear that New Orleans and the festival are important and that she would like to be a part of this and raising the spirit of New Orleans."

Other acts set to perform at the New Orleans Jazz Festival, which takes place from April to May, include Neil Young, Kings of Leon and Bon Jovi.

(by Scott Colothan)