Aretha Franklin’s Fans Say Their Final Goodbyes at the Queen of Soul’s Open-Casket Visitation

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Aretha Franklin’s Fans Say Their Final Goodbyes at the Queen of Soul’s Open-Casket Visitation

The Queen of Soul received plenty of love at her open-casket visitation. Fans of the late Aretha Franklin lined up at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit on Tuesday, August 28, to say their final goodbyes to the legendary singer. The body of Franklin, who died at the age of 76 on August 16 after battling advanced pancreatic cancer, arrived in a white 1940 Cadillac LaSalle hearse for the first part of a two-day public service. Hundreds of people gathered outside the museum, with many sleeping overnight on the sidewalk. The “Respect” singer was dressed in a red lace suit and crimson satin pumps as she was laid out in a gold casket. The lining of the casket was embroidered with gold thread that spelled out the words “Aretha Franklin, The Queen of Soul.”

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In Loving Memory

“She looks serene resting as a true queen,” Detroit native Charlotte Smith told the Detroit Free Press. “It was very moving. She has a beautiful smile.”

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Beloved by All

Frances Billingslea echoed to the newspaper, “She meant so much to so many people. She’s a local talent. She was a down-home spirit. She didn’t put herself above anybody even though she was the Queen of Soul. She did so much for this community.”

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An Emotional Day

Several mourners broke down in tears while paying their respects to the music icon.

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First of Many Tributes

A private funeral for Franklin’s friends and family members will be held at Greater Grace Temple in Detroit on Friday, August 31. The service will be live-streamed online and aired on various TV networks. The performers who have been announced for Friday’s funeral include Stevie Wonder, Jennifer Hudson, Faith Hill, Chaka Khan and Fantasia Barrino. The speakers include former president Bill Clinton, Smokey Robinson and Clive Davis.

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So Much Love

“We have been deeply touched by the incredible outpouring of love and support we have received from close friends, supporters and fans all around the world,” the Grammy winner’s family said in a statement to Us after her death. “Thank you for your compassion and prayers. We have felt your love for Aretha and it brings us comfort to know that her legacy will live on.”