Probably less talked about is Aretha's humble beginnings in the church. I was thinking that someone else might make a thread for this topic, but, since not, I'll do it again, as I've done in in my latest posts in the Religion Thread (e.g. both when she was announced as sick and when she passed away). Surely, lots of people can remember a song by Aretha Franklin; mine would be Respect, right off the top of my head.

I so hoped that I had the opportunity to help Aretha in her last days and I almost sprang into action, thanks to a CNN interview by a pastor right around the time that her death had been reported elsewhere; but, I also was concerned that my suggestion would have been lost somewhere among about the 89 hands the suggestions might have passed through (e.g. I heard his interview, thought over during a 3 hour nap, and, then, I was about to leap into action, except she'd passed away during this interview or possibly, before; the image that I had was of people just hovering over her a bit anxious for the inevitable, so, any suggestion that I might have passed for her was likely to be passionately intercepted at that point); I had no idea that she had been so sick until she was announced to be in the hospital, just before her release into hospice care.

I just hope that Aretha kept her relationship with God through all of her fame and adulation; if so, she's surely in the presence of the Lord right now and having the best times of her life; but, if not, as long as she didn't develop a harden heart, by the Grace of God, she's in the presence of the Lord at this time. https://patch.com/michigan/detroit/aretha-franklin-ill-listen-singers-5-most-iconic-songs

R.I.P. Aretha. You'll be missed.

Respect

RIP The Queen.

R.I.P.

requiescat in pace

R.I.P Aretha Franklin. Legends never die. You're one of the most talented singers I've ever seen.

R.I.P Aretha Franklin. Heroes never die. You're the most talented singer I've ever seen. Requiescat in pace Queen of Respect.Aretha. You'll be missed. The Grace of God see you in the presence of the Lord at this time.