Aretha Franklin funeral: Jennifer Holliday performs as moving ceremony concludes
The ceremony in honour of the late Aretha Franklin has come to an end
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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.
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Following Mayor Duggan's announcement, Detroit City Council President Brenda Jones declares a resolution will be passed tomorrow that will rename the park after the "Queen of Soul".
Ariana Grande takes to the stage to perform "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman".
Rev Al Sharpton addresses the gathered crowd.
Rev Al Sharpton speaks at Aretha Franklin's funeral (Getty)
During Rev Al Sharpton's speech, he asks that President Trump be taught respect.
"And I say that because when word went out that Ms Franklin passed, Trump said: 'She used to work for me.' No, she used to perform for you. She worked for us," he said to cheers from the crowd.
He concluded with a letter written by Barack Obama.
The letter reads: "We join you in celebrating the life of the 'Queen of Soul'.
"From a young age, Aretha Franklin rocked the world of anyone who had the pleasure of hearing her voice, whether bringing people together through thrilling intersections of genres or advancing important causes through the power of song, Aretha's work reflected the very best of the American story."
Smokey Robinson, a childhood friend of Franklin's, takes the stage to remember the late soul singer.
"I know I am going to miss you so much."
The Motown singer performs 'Really Gonna Miss You' to honour his life-long friend.
Smokey Robinson remembers Aretha Franklin (Getty)
The Detroit-based gospel singers The Clark Sisters perform next, singing 'Is My Living In Vain?'.
Sampson thanks all of the hospital staff who cared for Franklin during her battle with pancreatic cancer, and others who helped on behalf of Franklin's family.
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