Patti LaBelle To Get Honorary Degree In Philly

Veteran R&B diva Patti LaBelle is getting an honorary degree from Temple University in her hometown of Philadelphia.

The university will present LaBelle with the doctorate in humane letters at its May 13 commencement ceremony.

LaBelle’s singing career has spanned more than four decades and includes several hit records and two Grammy Awards. She has also written four books, two of which are cookbooks.

LaBelle served as a spokeswoman for the American Diabetes Association after being diagnosed with the condition. Two years ago, she partnered with Temple to raise awareness about diabetes.

Temple President Ann Weaver Hart says in a statement Tuesday that the university is honoring LaBelle for “her professional excellence and her selfless service to others.”