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Aretha Franklin funeral in Detroit: What you need to know

4 days of events planned for Aretha Franklin in Detroit

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DETROIT – Four days of events will takeover Detroit to honor Aretha Franklin this week, "The Queen of Soul," who died earlier this month at age 76.

Franklin died Aug. 16 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. At the time of her death she was at home in Detroit surrounded by friends and family.

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The events include three days of public visitation, a tribute concert and a funeral service that is sure to draw a huge crowd.

Full coverage: Aretha Franklin, The Queen of Soul

Here's the plan for Aretha Franklin's funeral in Detroit:

Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug. 28 and Aug. 29: Public visitations

Visitation: Franklin's body will lie in repose at the Charles H. Wright Museum for African American History. The viewing will be open to the public on both days.

The museum will open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on both days. 

Where: 315 E Warren Ave, Detroit, MI 48201

Local 4 will have live coverage of the visitation on Tuesday and Wednesday both on-air and on ClickOnDetroit.com. Jason Carr will provide live updates from the visitation on Tuesday.

Thursday, Aug. 30: Additional visitation, tribute concert

Third visitation day: The funeral home announced there will be an additional day of viewing Aug. 30 from noon to 4 p.m. at New Bethel Baptist Church. Where: 8430 Linwood St, Detroit, MI 48206

Tribute concert at Chene Park: A musical tribute for the late Aretha Franklin will be held Aug. 30 at Chene Park in Detroit, organizers announced. The event will be free, officials said. It is scheduled for the evening. Performers and details for ticketing are still being finalized.

More: Aretha Franklin tribute concert at Chene Park: Who's performing, how to get tickets

Local 4 will air a special on Aretha Franklin Thursday night at 8 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 31: Funeral service in Detroit

When: 10 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 31, 2018
Where: Greater Grace Temple, 23500 W Seven Mile Rd, Detroit, MI 48219

Who's performing: An all-star lineup that includes Stevie Wonder, Faith Hill, Jennifer Hudson, Fantasia, Shirley Caesar and many more will perform at Aretha Franklin's funeral on Friday morning. 

Also slated to perform are Ron Isley, Chaka Khan, Yolanda Adams, Jennifer Holliday and Aretha Franklin's son, Edward Franklin.

Who's speaking: Former President Bill Clinton, Smokey Robinson, the Rev. Jesse Jackson and Cicely Tyson will be among the speakers.

Franklin’s rep, Gwendolyn Quinn, says other speakers will include former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, music mogul Clive Davis, the Rev. Al Sharpton, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder and Bishop T.D. Jakes.

Clinton and the Queen of Soul were longtime friends. She sang at both of his inaugurations. Robinson and Franklin grew up together in Detroit.

The service will reflect Franklin's strong gospel roots. Among the gospel stars performing will be Marvin Sapp and Vanessa Bell Armstrong. The Aretha Franklin Choir and the Aretha Franklin Celebration Choir are also on the program.

Local 4 plans to carry the funeral live on-air and on ClickOnDetroit.com. Coverage begins at 9 a.m.

More Aretha Franklin stories:


About the Author
Ken Haddad headshot

Ken Haddad has proudly been with WDIV/ClickOnDetroit since 2013. He also authors the Morning Report Newsletter and various other newsletters, and helps lead the WDIV Insider team. He's a big sports fan and is constantly sipping Lions Kool-Aid.

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