(Photo credits: Paul Sancya, AP)
The two-day public viewing funeral of Aretha Franklin started earlier today, August 29 (UAE time), and her loyal fans came together at Detroit’s Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History to pay their last respects to the departed Queen of Soul.
Detroit Free Press reported that Franklin, even in death, has proven that she can be as glamorous and as queenly as she was remembered when she was still living.
The report said that Franklin lies in a solid bronze Promethean casket plated in 24-karat gold, the same coffin that were used during the funerals of fellow singers James Brown and Michael Jackson.
The casket also bears her name and the words “Queen of Soul” which were embroidered in gold metallic thread.
Franklin is also seen wearing a pair of 5-inch red Christian Louboutin shoes matched with a red dress made of lace with a full tulle skirt and chiffon overlay, according to Linda Swanson.
Swanson even added that the “dress has beading on the bodice and shoulders, and a boat neck collar with a chiffon bell sleeve” and that Franklin is also wearing custom-made earrings.
The Queen of Soul succumbed to pancreatic cancer on August 16 at the age of 76.
Fans of Franklin who are currently in Detroit can visit Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History to see the singer from 9:00 AM until 9:00 PM.
The funeral services will be on Friday.
Fox News reported that singers Ariana Grande, Stevie Wonder, Jennifer Hudson, Fantasia, Faith Hill, Shirley Caesar, and Chaka Khan will be some of the performers who will pay tribute to Franklin during the funeral.
Franklin is considered to be one of the greatest and most influential vocalists of all time whose legacy has stood the test of time.
She is the iconic voice behind the hit songs “Respect”, “Chain of Fools”, “Think”, “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”, “I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)”, and “I Say a Little Prayer”.
During her prime, she was considered as one of the best-selling musical artists of all time, having sold more than 75 million records worldwide. Some of her achievements include 18 Grammy Awards, 3 American Music Awards, 112 charted singles on Billboard, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
