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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Thomas says Franklin was much more than her music in moving tribute.
"There are very few people that come along that can shift the consciousness of the world, move the universe by her being," he said. "She shifted the universe and she moved us all, not only with her songs, but through her spirit and her love."
"I want you to know I love you, the world loves you, and most importantly Aretha, Detroit loves you."
Isaiah Thomas remembers Franklin (Getty)
The ceremony is currently three hours behind schedule, however, the crowd remains attentive as tributes to the "Queen of Soul" continue.
Michael Eric Dyson, a sociology professor at Georgetown University, remembers Franklin and praises Detroit before segueing into a politically-charged speech, in which he calls President Trump a "foolish fascist."
"You lugubrious leach. You dopey doppelganger of deceit and deviance. She ain't work for you. She worked above you. She worked beyond you," Dyson said.
Michael Eric Dyson praises Franklin and Detroit (Getty)
Jennifer Hudson takes the stage, singing a rendition of "Amazing Grace."
Rev Jasper Williams Jr, pastor of Salem Baptist Church, delivers Franklin's eulogy as the ceremony begins to wrap up.
Williams directs his speech towards the black community and urges the end of violence.
As he continues to address the crowd, Rev Williams begins to sing.
Williams' eulogy ends as Gladys Knight takes the stage to perform.
Earlier in the day, Knight, a surprise performer, revealed she has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, the same disease as Aretha Franklin.
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