Aretha Franklin funeral: Jennifer Holliday performs as moving ceremony concludes
The ceremony in honour of the late Aretha Franklin has come to an end
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A memorial service celebrating the life of singer Aretha Franklin took place in Detroit today, where performers, fans, friends and family members joined to pay their respects to the "Queen of Soul".
The legendary singer, known for such anthems as “Respect”, “Natural Woman” and “Say a Little Prayer”, died of pancreatic cancer earlier this month, aged 76.
Icons including Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan and Ariana Grande performed at the city's Greater Grace Temple, as well as a host of local gospel musicians, while Bill Clinton, Reverend Jesse Jackson and Smokey Robinson paid tribute to the life of the beloved Aretha Franklin.
Please allow a moment for our liveblog to load
The congregation stands as members of the Franklin family start to take their seats among the central pews.
As more mourners arrive to take their seats, they pass the star's open casket in which she lies in a sparkling full-length gold dress and sequinned heels. Her outfits were changed from one day to the next as she lay in state at the Charles H Wright Museum earlier this week.
As the service prepares to get underway, here's a nice touch from the Welsh Guards, honouring Aretha in their own inimitable style outside of Buckingham Palace in London.
And here's a snap of Reverend Al Sharpton with Jesse Jackson and the NAACP president Derrick Johnson taken before today's service.
As the choir rings out, the lid is closed on Aretha Franklin's coffin, a very emotional moment for the assembled friends and family gathering to say goodbye.
Bishop Charles Ellis III starts the service, joking about the event's programmes ending up on eBay and paying tribute to "a great woman of God", welcoming the pastor of New Bethel Baptist Church, Reverend Robert Smith Jr, who succeeded Aretha's father CL Franklin at that chapel in 1982.
His wife, Greater Grace Temple first lady, Crisette M Ellis, pays her respects to Aretha on behalf of the Motor City.
Bishop TD Jakes, Pastor Solomon Kinloch and Bishop PA Brooks will now read from the Old and New Testament and the Psalms in succession.
Country superstar Faith Hill, the first of the celebrity performers, takes to the stage to sing "What A Friend We Have in Jesus".
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments