It’s been said that legends never die, but when one passes from this earth, such as the late Aretha Franklin, it’s only fitting that her funeral and memorial events are as bold, bright, and soulful as she was. From pink Cadillacs lining Detroit’s streets to a tribute paid by Buckingham Palace’s Welsh Guard to a star-studded memorial tribute performance, here’s a look at how people around the world are celebrating Franklin’s passing.
Funeral services at Greater Grace Temple in Detroit: the singer’s official funeral will take place in her hometown of Detroit. The eulogy will be given by Rev. Jasper Williams, Jr., pastor of Salem Baptist Church. Other speakers are expected to include former President Bill Clinton, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder, former US Attorney General Eric Holder, the Rev. Al Sharpton, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Tyler Perry, Clive Davis, Isaiah Thomas, and others as well as remarks by her family members Sabrina Owens and Vaughn, Cristal, Victorie and Jordan Franklin. Edward Franklin is expected to perform a musical tribute.
Fans, family and friends gather in Detroit for Aretha Franklin’s funeral. https://t.co/kf1caTp2gu
— Twitter Moments (@TwitterMoments) August 31, 2018
Musical performances: Several famous artists from a variety of genres are expected to perform musical tributes including Ariana Grande, Faith Hill, Jennifer Hudson, Stevie Wonder, and others including the Aretha Franklin Celebration Choir.
A star-studded funeral celebration of Aretha Franklin’s life is underway in Detroit. Grammy award-winning R&B singer Chaka Khan pays a tribute to Franklin with gospel song, “I’m Going Up Yonder.” https://t.co/4GxUmoCHo7 pic.twitter.com/nTiHH0Ftkw
— CNN Newsroom (@CNNnewsroom) August 31, 2018
Respect from London: During the changing of the guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace this morning, the Band of the Welsh Guards, famous for their red tunics and bearskin hats, performed a musical tribute to Franklin, playing an instrumental version of “Respect.”
Respect for others underpins all we do in the @BritishArmy so it was no surprise that the @WelshGuardsBand paid tribute to musical icon and inspiration #ArethaFranklin at Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace today. @RoyalFamily #ArethaFranklinFuneral #RESPECT pic.twitter.com/ho7fvjEuMh
— The Army in London (@ArmyInLondon) August 31, 2018
A pink Cadillac parade: Organized by Crisette Ellis, wife of Bishop Charles H. Ellis III, pastor at the Greater Grace Temple, pink Cadillac owners have lined up their cars on nearby Detroit streets to commemorate Franklin’s 1985 hit, “Freeway of Love,” whose famous lyrics include the verse “We goin’ ridin’ on the freeway of love in my pink Cadillac.”
Finally, always one to make a fashion statement in style, Franklin will be sent to meet her heavenly father in style, reportedly wearing a gold dress with matching gold high heels in nothing other than a gold casket.
The pink Cadillacs are out on 7 Mile for Aretha Franklin.
There are more than 100 of them lined up outside Greater Grace for the Queen of Soul’s funeral.
They will go riding with the procession following services this afternoon. #ThisIsHowDetroitDoesIt #RIPAretha pic.twitter.com/sZ2a0QNMKt
— Tyler Clifford (@_TylerTheTyler_) August 31, 2018
Only in #Detroit. 130 pink Cadillacs drive in front of Greater Grace Temple ahead of #ArethaFranklin funeral. pic.twitter.com/qTTJtDXNvS
— ROOP RAJ (@rooprajfox2) August 31, 2018
Surely her pink Cadillac will be waiting for her at St. Peter’s gates.
