Animal rights activists People For The Ethical Treatment Of Animals (PETA) have offered to pay soul legend Aretha Franklin's $19,000 tax bill if she agrees to stop wearing fur. PETA president Ingrid Newkirk has written to the "Respect" singer, offering to help her avoid foreclosure on her Michigan home with a cash hand-out - if Franklin hands over her collection of fur coats.

In a letter to the diva, Newkirk writes, "We would like to help you out by paying the approximately $19,000 in back taxes that you owe - if you'll agree to save animals from hideous suffering and death by promising never to wear fur again and donating your old furs to PETA. We are absolutely sincere in making this offer - we believe that you know in your heart that your fans will love you even more if you make a fur-free resolution.

"As you no doubt now realize, animals who are trapped in the wild can suffer for days before dying from exposure, frostbite, shock, or infection or by being strangled, stomped, or bludgeoned to death by trappers."

The PETA president concludes by writing, "Our offer is a win-win situation: You get to keep your home, and animals get to keep their lives. We are rooting for you to please give animals the R-E-S-P-E-C-T that they deserve by giving up fur."

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)