Aretha Franklinwill be sent to her final resting place with special tributes from her famous friends.
Jennifer Hudson, who recentlysigned on to portrayFranklin in a biopic based on her memoirAretha: From These Roots, will also pay tribute.
On Friday, it was revealed that former PresidentBill Clintonwill also speak at the service.
Michael Loccisano/Getty; Mike Coppola/Getty; Frazer Harrison/Getty
Being that Franklin began her career singing gospel music, her service will highlight herChristian roots.
Gospel artists Yolanda Adams, Marvin Sapp, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, The Aretha Franklin Choir and the Aretha Franklin Celebration Choir have also been named as performers.
Franklin’s funeral will only be open to close friends and family of the late singer and will be held at Greater Grace Temple, theAssociated Pressreported.
A public viewing will take place for fans on Aug. 28 and 29.
Franklin died on Aug. 16 after battling pancreatic cancer. She was 76.
“In one of the darkest moments of our lives, we are not able to find the appropriate words to express the pain in our heart,” Franklin’s family said in a statement.
“We have felt your love for Aretha and it brings us comfort to know that her legacy will live on. As we grieve, we ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time,” the statement concluded.
David Redfern/Redferns
Wonder previously revealed he and Franklinhad made plans to make new musicjust months before she died.
“She wasn’t able to speak back, but her family felt that she could hear me,” he toldCBS This Morningone day after her death. “We talked about doing some music, as recent as two months ago, we talked about it.”
Meanwhile, country star Hill shared onInstagram: “The choir of angels now have the greatest voice of all time to lead, praise and join in to sing before Jesus. I wanted to share this photo because it shows just how soulful Aretha was without uttering a word. To say I was humbled to be in her presence would be an understatement.”
And Hudson also remembered a special moment she had with Franklin,writingon Instagram, “I will say while teaching me about your life, [you] taught me so much about life and schooled me in mine. I will never forget those teachings.”
source: people.com
