LOS ANGELES – 1980: Singer Aretha Franklin poses for the cover of the album ‘Aretha’ in 1980 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry Langdon/Getty Images)
Thousands of devoted fans have traveled to Detroit this week to properly mourn our nation’s Queen of Soul — Aretha Franklin — who lost her battle with pancreatic cancer on August 16.
After four days of events held in her honor, including a public viewing at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, a fitting Gospel tribute, along with a special tribute from Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Franklin will be laid to rest Friday morning inside Greater Grace Temple in Detroit.
For those unable to make the journey to Motor City for the somber occasion, you can watch via live stream on ESSENCE.
Nineteen singing acts from across all genres of music are slated to perform at the funeral, including Stevie Wonder, Ronald Isley, Chaka Khan, Fantasia, Jennifer Hudson, Yolanda Adams, Shirley Caesar, The Clark Sisters, Jennifer Holliday, Faith Hill, Tasha Cobbs-Leonard and Marvin Sapp.
Say your own personal goodbye to the woman whose star shone brighter than any spotlight she encountered by watching Franklin’s funeral live below.
