Jennifer Hudson recalls friendship with the late Aretha Franklin: 'She taught me more about life'

Jennifer Hudson's portrayal of Aretha Franklin in "Respect," a biopic of the late Queen of Soul, has been a long time coming.

Hudson, 39, told "Good Morning America" on Wednesday that her first conversation with Franklin, who died at the age of 76 in 2018, took place around the time she won the Oscar for "Dream Girls" back in 2007.

Over the years, Hudson and Franklin spoke on a weekly basis and the "American Idol" alum even got to pay tribute to the music legend numerous times.

"I feel as though in the midst of those conversations she taught me more about life while in the midst of teaching me about her life," Hudson said. "And when I got to portray her, that's when I realized, like, no, really she was speaking from experience and it wasn't just someone just telling you anything, but to know, like, those were words of wisdom coming from the Queen of Soul, you know, herself, and it kind of helped me embody the story that much more."

Hudson also said her 11-year-old son, David, bonded with Franklin during their time together, with them sharing a love of cooking.

When it came to embodying Franklin, someone so impactful in the music industry and a person who inspired so many people with her songs, Hudson said she had to remind herself, "If she said I could do it, I guess I can."

Watch the trailer for director Liesl Tommy's "Respect," which hits theaters on Aug. 13.

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1st look at 'Respect' trailer

The new film about Aretha Franklin, the queen of soul, stars Jennifer Hudson and is set for release in August.

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Hudson said it's hard for her to express what it feels like for the film to finally make its way to the big screen.

"I can't even begin to put it into words," she said. "I do not take it lightly and I just think it's, like, it's a dream come true. I don't want to sound cheesy, but it is."

Hudson said she felt some pressure singing all of Franklin's songs in "Respect," but noted that she took an extra pause when it came time for her to sing the titular song.

As for some of her personal favorite songs from the late icon, Hudson named "All the King's Horses," "Oh Me Oh My (I'm a Fool for You Baby)" and "Ain't No Way" as some top picks.