Read Barack Obama's Incredibly Touching Letter For Aretha Franklin

Sep 05, 2018 by apost team

Aretha Franklin had a funeral that was like a "homegoing" ceremony, totally fit for a queen. Barack Obama penned her a touching letter in farewell.

Aretha Franklin's funeral was held at Detroit's Greater Grace Temple. There were musical performances by a great deal of stars from both the older decades and modern days, including Chaka Khan, Stevie Wonder, and Ariana Grande. Additionally, spoken tributes were given by former president Bill Clinton, Reverend Jesse Jackson, and Al Sharpton.

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Clinton's remembrance of Franklin was warm. He said that the reason everyone was attending the funeral and currently in their seats was because Aretha Franklin had courage. She didn't live without fear, but she worked hard to overcome those fears. She overcame failure and lived with faith in herself. She overcame her weaknesses and lived with a sense of self-possession and power.

Two former presidents sent letters meant for reading at the funeral. These were Barack Obama and George W. Bush. Franklin's friend Barbara Simpson read the letter from Bush, which remembered the woman as a woman with a loving heart and deep character, who had achieved extraordinary things.

Obama's letter, meanwhile, was read by Al Sharpton. The contents of the letter were given a standing ovation from attendees of the funeral.

The letter's powerful contents are made even more powerful when you consider where they came from.

Aretha Franklin was responsible herself for not just one, but two touching moments that occurred while Obama was president.

Franklin's poignant performance at Obama's 2009 inauguration showed that she truly had the best voice to sing praises of America. The inauguration was a huge historical step forward; the nation was electing the first black president in American history.

Then, in 2015, Aretha Franklin gave a performance of the song "Natural Woman" while Obama was in the audience at the Kennedy Center Honors. Her glorious rendition of the song reduced Obama to tears.

Obama's letter captured some of that feeling. He said first that he was extending his sympathies to everyone at the funeral, and that he and Michelle were joining the mourners in spirit to remember Aretha Franklin's life.

He went on to say that Aretha Franklin was happy to rock anyone's world when they heard her voice. Her thrilling genre intersections helped to bring people together, and she advanced a number of important causes through her work. Aretha was a reflection of America.

What do you think about Obama's letter? Was it worth the standing ovation? Tell us your thoughts below!