A bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced legislation Tuesday to posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to Aretha Franklin in recognition of the Queen of Soul’s role in shaping American art and culture. The move to honor Franklin represented a rare show of unity from members on opposite sides of the political spectrum. Debbie Stabenow (D) and Gary Peters (D) to introduce the legislation in the Senate. I’m grateful to play a small role in honoring the life of this remarkable artist.”Franklin died last Thursday at age 76. In 2005, President George W. Bush awarded Franklin the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which along with the Congressional Gold Medal is one of the country’s highest civilian honors.

Source: Washington Post August 21, 2018 18:22 UTC