Aretha Franklin celebrated her 69th birthday on Friday among friends and supporters in New York City.

Among those in attendance at the party, held at the Central Park Hotel, were Tony Bennett, Smokey Robinson, Clive Davis, actress and singer Bette Midler as well as OWN's Gayle King, according to the Associated Press.

"It's a fabulous moment," said Ms. Franklin, touting a slimmer frame.

Not long ago, Franklin underwent surgery for an ailment she has yet to disclose. However in the last month, the Queen of Soul has stopped by "The Wendy Williams Show" and other outlets and is set to return to the stage in May.

But the performances seemed to have began early, as Franklin took the stage last night with  former Temptations frontman Dennis Edwards to sing the duet, "The Way We Were."