Where Is Aretha Franklin Buried?
Throughout the ages fans and followers of late celebrities have visited their burial sites paying honor and tribute to their lives and careers. Marilyn Monroe’s grave has become a popular and frequent spot for her fans and tourists to visit in Los Angeles’ infamous Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park & Mortuary. Monroe, one of the most famous actresses of the 1950s, is buried alongside well-known celebrities like Dean Martin, Tom Petty, and Farrah Fawcett. Aretha Franklin is another renowned celebrity with a burial site that is often visited by her fans and followers.
Find out where exactly Franklin is buried and the details behind the classy and stylish way the highly-esteemed musician was laid to rest.
Where is Aretha Franklin buried?
Franklin who is best-remembered by her hits like “I Say a Little Prayer” and “Freeway of Love” sadly died in August of 2018. The talented musician’s friends, family, and loved ones gathered in Greater Grace Temple where they tearfully mourned and honored Franklin. Following the 8-hour event, a procession led Franklin through Detroit one final time before arriving at Woodlawn Cemetery. At the age of 76 Franklin was peacefully laid to rest alongside her father and sisters.
As ABC’s WXYZ reported, the burial grounds is also the resting place of Rosa Parks, one of the most profound civil rights activists of history. Ironically enough, Franklin was present at Parks’ funeral and performed one of her soul-moving and touching ballads. Talk about a full-circle moment.
A closer look at Aretha Franklin’s iconic multi-day funeral
Franklin’s fans and followers knew her best as the Queen of Soul, and the star’s funeral arrangements were a reflection of her regal status. Her funeral spanned over four days and even included outfit changes. The first day of the mournful occasion Franklin was dressed in a “bright crimson” which was a subtle nod to the star’s Delta Sigma Theta ties. Completing the look was a pair of Franklin’s Christian Louboutin heels.
For the following two days Franklin’s body lay in the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History as a tremendous amount of individuals waited in line to pay their respects. The New Yorker shared the details behind the colorful palette and dresses that adorned the beloved star during this tearful time.
On the fourth and final day of Franklin’s services a “vintage 1940 hearse” took the star to Woodlawn Cemetery, where the talented musician remains today.
How did the musical star Aretha Franklin die?
Franklin had a reputation for maintaining privacy when it came to personal matters, especially her health. In 2010 Franklin began to experience health issues and ailments that led to the musician being hospitalized. Rumors of pancreatic cancer began swirling, but the star was always hesitant to confirm or address the matter.
A few years later, in 2018, Franklin died. Her family revealed that a rare and advanced form of pancreatic cancer was to blame. USA Today has shared some of the known details behind Franklin’s health condition.
In a statement released by Franklin’s family they shared, “We have been deeply touched by the incredible outpouring of love and support we have received from close friends, supporters and fans all around the world. Thank you for your compassion and prayers. We have felt your love for Aretha and it brings us comfort to know that her legacy will live on.” Having the opportunity to visit the star’s final resting place in Detroit is just one of the many ways Franklin’s legacy and spirit live on.
