Contrary to the rumor mill, Essence magazine is very much alive and ready for a busy summer….

Speaking with theGrio.com, Essence public relations director Dana Baxter addressed claims that the magazine had laid off much of its fashion team last week.

“The magazine is not folding.Essence is thriving and not going anywhere. Mikki Taylor retiring was somehow misconstrued.” The rumors were posted on Gawker.com and they also told the world that the “entire fashion team went AWOL.”

“We have a fully functionally fashion team that is working on the July issue,” said Baxter.

As previously reported, Mary J. Blige will be headlining this summer’s Essence Music Festival.