Aretha Franklin’s loved ones are keeping the late Queen of Soul looking fresh and fashionable for her public celebration of life by giving her a daily wardrobe change.
A two-day open casket viewing began on Tuesday, when fans lined up to pay their last respects to the music icon at the Charles H. Wright African American Museum in her adopted city of Detroit, Michigan.
On the first day of the viewing, Aretha’s body had been dressed head to toe in red, wearing a lacy ruby gown with Christian Louboutin heels, complete with matching nails and lipstick.
However, as other mourners filed in on Wednesday, they discovered the singer had been given a makeover, this time donning a pastel blue dress with matching stilettos.
Franklin’s body will be moved to the New Bethel Baptist Church, where her father was once the pastor, for a private visitation on Thursday, before a funeral service on Friday at the Greater Grace Temple.
Officials from the local Swanson Funeral Home were responsible for Wednesday’s change of outfit, and boss Linda Swanson tells the Detroit Free Press fans can expect two more new looks for Aretha, as chosen by her family, to ensure she is “resplendent in repose, as a queen should be”.
The musician, who was known for her love of furs and lavish jewels, will also be saluted at an all-star memorial concert at Chene Park Amphitheatre, where her friend Gladys Knight, The Four Tops, and Angie Stone will be among the performers.
Meanwhile, Ariana Grande has been added to the line-up of musicians set to pay tribute at Aretha’s funeral service, joining a bill which also features Stevie Wonder, Jennifer Hudson, and Faith Hill. The final farewell will be streamed online and broadcast live on U.S. TV.
Franklin died from pancreatic cancer earlier this month (Aug18), aged 76.
For news as it happens follow Noise11 on Facebook
Listen to the Noise11 Music News channel now at iHeartRadio
