Mr. Sharpton also read from Mr. Obama’s letter: “Aretha’s work reflected the very best of the American story.” Barbara Sampson later read from Mr. Bush’s letter. Besides President Clinton and Mr. Robinson, the speakers were to include Tyler Perry and Clive Davis. On Friday, Ms. Franklin, in a gold-plated brass coffin, was dressed in a cream-colored gown with gold sequins. Henry Elders, 55, held a sign that read, “Aretha Made America Great Again.” His wife, Jenna Elders, said she was as enamored with Ms. Franklin’s fashion sense as her music. “This was a woman who had style, big style,” she said.

Source: New York Times August 31, 2018 15:03 UTC