Introduction

In the world of music, few names shine as brightly as Aretha Franklin and Jennifer Hudson. Franklin, the undisputed Queen of Soul, captured the hearts of millions with her powerful voice and timeless hits, while Hudson, with her soaring vocals and raw emotion, carved out her place as one of the most gifted voices of her generation. The two women, both legends in their own right, shared a unique bond that transcended the typical mentor-mentee relationship. Their connection was one built on mutual respect, admiration, and an unwavering love for music.

When Jennifer Hudson was selected to portray Aretha Franklin in the 2021 biographical film Respect, it marked not only a professional milestone but also a personal one. Hudson was not just stepping into Franklin’s shoes for the sake of a role; she was bringing to life the story of a woman she had long admired and had come to view as a mentor. What many might not know, however, is that Hudson and Franklin’s bond continued to grow even in Franklin’s final days. Their last conversation would leave a lasting imprint on Hudson’s heart and soul, a poignant reminder of the profound influence Franklin had on her life.

The Importance of Aretha Franklin to Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson’s relationship with Aretha Franklin was not just a professional one; it was deeply personal. From the moment Hudson began her journey in the music industry, Franklin was a guiding star, someone whose music and presence spoke to the deepest parts of her. Franklin, with her iconic voice and extraordinary achievements, was someone Hudson looked up to with reverence. But beyond her legendary status, Franklin was also a mentor, offering guidance and support in ways that shaped Hudson’s career and personal growth.

The influence Franklin had on Hudson is evident in many aspects of her journey. Hudson, known for her emotional performances and powerhouse vocals, found inspiration in Franklin’s ability to use her voice as a tool of empowerment. Franklin’s music was not just about entertainment—it was about speaking truth to power, inspiring generations, and advocating for social change. It was this very essence that Hudson sought to capture in her own career, and it was this connection that deepened when she portrayed Franklin in Respect.

But their bond was not only about professional admiration. Hudson has often spoken about the spiritual connection they shared. She credits Franklin with teaching her about strength, perseverance, and the importance of remaining true to oneself. It was not just Franklin’s music that resonated with Hudson, but the way Franklin lived her life—boldly, unapologetically, and with an unwavering commitment to her art.

The Final Conversation

The final conversation between Jennifer Hudson and Aretha Franklin remains one of the most profound moments in Hudson’s life. In the days leading up to Franklin’s passing in August 2018, Hudson had stayed in touch with the Queen of Soul, offering her support and love. But it was during their last phone call that the true depth of their connection was revealed.

In a moment that seemed to encapsulate Franklin’s nurturing spirit, Hudson recalls that the conversation was unexpectedly tender. As they spoke, Franklin, even in her ill health, took a moment to serenade Hudson. She sang a part of her signature song, “You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman,” a song that had come to symbolize Franklin’s own life and legacy. The gesture was not just a tribute to Hudson’s talent, but also a reflection of Franklin’s deep generosity and desire to share her gift, even in her final days.

Hudson remembers feeling overwhelmed with emotion as Franklin sang to her. It was a rare and intimate moment that spoke volumes about the woman Franklin was—always giving, always encouraging, even when the world was watching and even as she neared the end of her own remarkable journey. Hudson was deeply touched by Franklin’s ability to offer such a personal and precious gift, even at the end of her life.

The Impact on Jennifer Hudson

For Jennifer Hudson, that final conversation was more than just a sentimental moment; it was a turning point that would stay with her for the rest of her life. To be serenaded by Aretha Franklin was not just an honor—it was a moment of validation, a gift of love and artistry that transcended the boundaries of mentor and mentee.

In that moment, Hudson felt a deep sense of gratitude. She knew that Franklin had been a guiding force throughout her career, but this final act of kindness and artistry was something Hudson would carry with her always. The experience reaffirmed for Hudson the power of music to connect, heal, and empower. It was a reminder that Franklin’s influence was not just about music, but about the way she touched lives, offering both her gifts and her wisdom to those who needed it most.

As Hudson reflected on that moment, she often spoke of how it shaped her perspective on her own work. Franklin’s ability to remain generous and loving, even when faced with her own mortality, was a testament to the incredible power of human connection. Hudson felt as though Franklin had passed down a legacy to her, one that she was determined to honor in every note she sang and in every performance she gave.

The Legacy of Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin’s legacy is one that cannot be overstated. Her music, her voice, and her unwavering commitment to social justice continue to inspire countless artists, including Jennifer Hudson. But what stands out most about Franklin’s legacy is the way she mentored and nurtured others in the industry. She was not just a star; she was a beacon for those who came after her, offering guidance, support, and inspiration.

For Hudson, Franklin’s influence continues to shape her career. The lessons Franklin imparted—about resilience, authenticity, and the power of music—are central to how Hudson approaches her own artistry. In interviews, Hudson has often spoken about how she strives to carry Franklin’s torch, not only in her performances but in her approach to life. The sense of purpose Franklin had in her music and her advocacy for justice is something Hudson embraces wholeheartedly.

Even in death, Franklin’s presence remains palpable in Hudson’s life. Her music continues to play a vital role in Hudson’s career, and her spirit lives on in every song that Hudson sings. Whether performing Franklin’s classics or creating her own music, Hudson feels the weight of Franklin’s legacy guiding her, encouraging her to push the boundaries of what she thought was possible.

Closing Thoughts

As Jennifer Hudson reflects on her relationship with Aretha Franklin, it is clear that their bond was more than just that of a mentor and a student—it was a deep, spiritual connection rooted in love, respect, and a shared commitment to the power of music. Hudson’s expression of gratitude for their final conversation serves as a testament to the profound impact Franklin had on her life.

In an industry often focused on competition and individual success, Franklin’s legacy offers a beautiful reminder of the importance of nurturing relationships, offering support, and passing down wisdom. It is a legacy that Jennifer Hudson continues to honor through her work, as she strives to inspire the next generation of artists just as Franklin inspired her.

In the end, the conversation between Hudson and Franklin serves as a poignant reminder of the power of music to connect us all. It reminds us that, in the end, it is not just the music itself that endures, but the relationships and love we share through it. As Hudson continues to carry Franklin’s legacy forward, she does so with the same warmth, generosity, and commitment to the craft that Franklin exemplified throughout her life. The final conversation between the two will forever be a symbol of their enduring bond, and a reminder that true artistry is about sharing one’s gift with others, no matter the time or the circumstances.