Aretha Franklin Among Stars Participating in New Women's Tennis Promo Campaign

WTATennis.comAretha Franklin is among the celebrities serving up support for the Women's Tennis Association by posing for the organization's new Strong Is Beautiful campaign. The initiative featuring video and photos starring a variety of luminaries from the worlds of music, film and sports -- including, of course, tennis.

In the ***** of Soul's photo, Aretha is seen giving a Buddhist blessing, while across her arms and hands is written: "STRONG IS BEAUTIFUL." A message included in the image reads: "STRONG IS... knowing that pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional. STRONG IS WOMEN'S TENNIS."

Among the other celebrities involved in the project are Donald Trump, Susan Sarandon, American Idol judge Randy Jackson and Sir Richard Branson, to name a few. Tennis stars including Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova and Kim Clijsters are also involved.

The Strong Is Beautiful celebrity campaign will run globally, and culminates with the season-ending TEB BNP Paribas WTA Championships in Istanbul, Turkey, starting October 23.