Celebration of life for a queen in detroit right now, all to honor the legendary queen of soul Aretha Franklin. Well show you some live pictures from inside the Greater Grace Temple church, where family, friends, and some fortunate fans are paying their respects. Among the wellknown faces was one of Aretha Franklins childhood friends, smokey robinson. So now my longest friend has gone home, and you went to be with our father like we all have to do one of these days. And i know youre up there celebrating with your family and with all of our neighborhood friends who have gone, and youre going to be one of the featured voices in the choir of angels because, you know, youd have to be. Through prayers of comfort, songs of celebration, the life of the queen of soul is being remembered right now. Take a look at some of the moments from the service so far. Its a very tough day, even though you knew over the last couple months she was sick. You knew this day was coming. She had so many gifts. She could sing, play, write, and perform with other artists. Every artist that is doing very well have patterned themselves after her. They do her runs, that kind of stuff we get from her. Aretha wasnt just about music. You know, looking at being a part of the Civil Rights Movement to what shes been able to do as a messenger through her music, thats been truly unbelievable, and we ride on her shoulders and will continue to carry on that legacy. People have come to pay tribute to a once in a lifetime talent whose voice was the sound track of our lives. Ai rretha franklin has touch the world, each of us in our own way. From the palaces in england singing for the queen, to p popping up in the backseat of a car in the middle of a commercial, aretha was everywhere. She was the worlds queen, an invaluable musical treasure, a daddys girl filled with amazing grace, but more than anything else, she was a quintessential epitome of the greatness and authenticity of the city of detroit. She was so amazing to her city, and she gave back. She used to give programs. She used to feed people. I mean, the neighborhood. Its like, theyre giving back to her, saying thank you today. Amazing woman indeed. Tyler perry, whoopi goldberg, former president bill clinton are just some of the other prominent guests in attendance. The incredible lineup of speakers and performances still to come also include the former president as well as chaka khan, jennifer hudson, and Stevie Wonder. Lets go to cnns ryan young joining us from detroit, just outside the funeral. Set the scene for us, ryan. Reporter wolf, this has been unbelievable when you think about the combination of people here, but then you think about all the normal citizens who just wanted to come out and pay their respects to the queen of soul. Weve been here for the last few days, and weve watched thousands of people, some who could barely walk, who said they had to be here. They wanted to come, they wanted to make this journey because of how much she meant to them. When you think about the Civil Rights Movement and i was talking with Jesse Jackson. He talked about the times she would go around the country, making sure she would use her voice to help raise money for Martin Luther king and the push for civil rights. The idea of one time they were somewhere and someone tried to tear gas her out of that arena, and she would not leaf. She wanted to make sure she could perform. Then also the fact that detroit has gone through some tough times, and she never left detroit. I think people here definitely remember that. Theres an idea that shes connected to the church. Theres the gospel thats involved here, the fact that her voice came from god. Thats what so many people say. They believe this is the only way for her to go. Theres so many preachers involved in this as well. You think about that connection to the Civil Rights Movement and the church and the black community and all this sort of comes together. This is also a celebration of a lifetime, this woman who dedicated her life for six decades to music but also serving her community because every year she would try to feed the homeless in the city. Last night the city was awash of pink. You could see respect all over the place. You look at the crowd here, it is a mix of people and of course generations now coming together to remember a woman whose voice will never die, and thats been the conversation so far outside. When we were inside and saw some of these people come in, bill clinton when he walked in got a standing ovation. Smokey robinson was standing just behind us and welcomed the family. These connections lasted generations. And just think, reverend Jesse Jackson has been holding her hand through all this, has to get up and talk about losing another friend. This is a generation this country is connected to in a different way, especially when you think about civil rights and the black community. Wolf . This celebration of her life, as its being called, ryan, its been going on for about three hours or so, maybe a little longer. They were originally planning five hours, but it looks to me, looking at the schedule, like this could two a bit longer. Reporter absolutely, wolf. I know youve been to a black church before. Sometimes we dont stick to the time limit. This is the program i have in my hand. We have been taking bets out here. We believe its going to go a lot longer. In fact, somebody said they plan to be here for eight hours. And guess what, she deserves a day. Thats what we have been told by so many people. There were people lining up, fans were getting here yesterday at 4 00 in the afternoon. There was a rumor that fans were going to be allowed into the funeral. Thats exactly what happened. We were with them as nearly a thousand people who just got to go inside, they got wristbands, and they were so excited to go in and be able to pay their respects. Yes, i think its going to stretch some time. You got preachers who need to speak next. Theyre not going to stay to a fiveminute limit. Theyre going to go on. Theyre going to preach the gospel. They certainly will. Ryan, stand by. Fredricka whitfield is in detroit as well. Youve been watching every moment of this celebration of life, fredricka. Tell us a little bit about your impressions. Well hello to you, wolf. Its been an extraordinary day of emotion. People are emoting in so many different ways how much they love Aretha Franklin, how much they respect her, how much they honor her, how much she has done for them. In fact, lets go inside the church right now and hear the rest of this ongoing service, which is like going to church for sure. This is a church. And in church we do what church folk do. Come on. Watch this. I hear somebody saying i didnt know they was going to do all that. All right. So wolf, this is a tribute to her church roots at New Bethel Church here. This has been a moving ceremony that is spiritual based. I was talking to her ghostwriter biographer earlier who talked about how spirituality, you can hear it in every genre of music that Aretha Franklin would touch. You heard it in her r b. You heard it when she was, of course, doing gospel. You heard it when she was doing pop music. You heard it when she was doing opera music. You heard it when she was doing broadway tunes. This is the foundation of Aretha Franklin. Its been a celebration. This has been a true homegoing celebration for her. It has also involved people who have been part of her musical life and her personal life in so many different ways. Nba star isaiah thomas, he joined me a couple hours ago talking about how as a 20yearold, he came to detroit and Aretha Franklin called him and invited him essentially into her world. They developed a beautiful relationship, a mentor relationship. So many people have called her, Aretha Franklins like my mom, like my sister. I spoke with the clark sisters earlier. You saw them performing here in church at this ceremony earlier. When i spoke with them this morning, they called her like a big sister. They were detroit born. They remember as kids, you know, being enamored and idolizing Aretha Franklin. Then to be in her company and have an opportunity to sing with her. I talked to shirley caesar. She reflected on how difficult this day is going to be for her, how her heart is so heavy, but how honored she is to have an opportunity to sing with arena franklin as a teenager. Shirley caesar also a teenager. They would both be invited to the Obama White House and perform there as a gospel tribute. Everyone speaks so eloquently of her. When you talk to folks outside of this church, there were thousands of people who didnt have an opportunity to get inside. They lined up hoping to be able to. They speak as though they knew her because all of them speak so eloquently of how Aretha Franklin embodies detroit. You can feel it. It is pat panelpable. Were going to continue to enjoy this ceremony, this celebration of life because were going to be hearing from Stevie Wonder as well, a longtime friend, chaka chan wi khan with her musical tribute. Smokey robinson did almost a singing letter as he looked down at the goldplated casket of Aretha Franklin and how hes going to miss his friend. Wolf, this is a beautiful ceremony, a tribute to the queen of soul, but theres a lot of love here. You can feel it. Theres a lot of spirituality. It is full. Certainly is. Not only former president bill clinton, i think i saw eric holder in the crowd, the former attorney general of the United States during the obama administration. Hes going to be speaking as well, right . Thats right. Eric holder will be speaking. Former president bill clinton. You know, whats so remarkable, theres so many remarkable things about Aretha Franklin, but she was not political. She would tell you she was not political, but she was in the political arena in so many different ways. Of course, during the Civil Rights Movement. She was involved in three president ial inaugural celebrations. The first one being in 1977 with jimmy carter and then bill clinton, who is on deck to speak today. He has been a big fan of Aretha Franklin. He invited her to be a part of his inaugural celebration. Then of course once he was in the white house, he would reach out to Aretha Franklin again, and she would be part of his life and part of the cultural celebrations of the white house. And of course who can forget in 2009, inaugural ceremonies of barack obama and how Aretha Franklin essentially stole the show there wearing her beautiful gray ensemble with her hat that was just so striking. So she has roots in the white house, and she has been a recipient of the medal of freedom from president george w. Bush. So theres no surprise here as to why this fitting tribute, a tribute fit for a queen, would be that, that is taking place today for Aretha Franklin. Fred, who put together the program for today, the celebration of life for this truly amazing American Woman . It was a collaborative effort, but her niece apparently has been instrumental in hand picking and designing the program for today. Wolf, we got a copy of the program here. Its a beautiful piece of memorabilia here. Beautiful photographs of her spanning so many different portions of her life. Then this twopage biography of her life, spanning the beginning, then you move on to her musical career. Fred, hold on for one moment. Members of Aretha Franklins family have now walked up to the stage. Were going to hear from them. This could be an emotional moment. I want to listen. Hello, how are you . I remember when i was a kid, people used to always ask me, what does it feel like to be Aretha Franklins granddaughter . And id always shrug my shoulders and go, i dont know, its just my grandma. That young, i didnt really understand what that really meant. I knew she was someone special. I knew she was someone important. But i didnt really understand how big it was. As a kid, ive seen some of the greatest things. Ive met some of the greatest people. And it was crazy because these amazing people were excited to meet me. And when i would go to her shows and watch her sing, 2 would it the best feeling in the world. Nothing sounded better to me than the way my grandma sings. Her voice made you feel something. You felt every word, every note, every emotion in the song she sang. Her voice brought peace. And watching her on stage from a young age to the last performance i saw her at, i knew that performing was something i was born to do. As a kid, i couldnt understand what it was like to be Aretha Franklins granddaughter, but i did know oh, i didnt know what that meant, but now i know what it feels like. It feels amazing to see a woman so fierce, so courageous, gifted, so respected, and to be able to call that my grandmother, to know that i have that running through my blood, and that shes a part of who i am [ applause ] and to know that shes a part of who i am, theres nothing like that. Every time i learn something new about my grandma, i see that i have so much of her in me, and it makes me smile. Im so proud to have had someone like her in my life to pave the way for me. I love you, grandma, and i will make you proud. [ applause ] good afternoon, everybody. I prepared something for my grandmother that i wanted to share with everybody. Dear grandma, i love you. I know in my heart that youre happy now and thats all that i care about. No amount of words can articulate what you mean to me, grandma. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for believing in me as much as you did. And thank you for always putting the family first and showing us the right way to handle success. Im sad today because im losing my friend, but i know that the imprint she left on this world can never be removed. [ applause ] you showed the world gods love, and theres nothing more honorable. [ applause ] im so proud of you. I know youd be watching me from the windows of heaven. And i promise to carry our family legacy with pride and joy. Long live the queen. [ cheers and applause ] i just want to first start out by saying i thank each and every person thats sitting in this auditorium. I think each and every person who stood in line. I want to thank everyone who bought her album, who bought her concert ticket. I want to thank everyone who ever took a picture of my aunt, whoever wrote an article about my aunt, and whoever loved every last song she wrote. When i was born in 73, she was already the queen of soul, had won eight grammys, had top ten hits on the top 100, but to me she was just my aunt. My fathers sister. And i was her namesake. I was given the name crystal robin aretha, named after my mothers younger sister and my fathers famous sister. My aunt robin never let aretha forget that her name came first, but aretha would laugh and say they saved the best for last. To the world she was known as the queen of soul, but to me she was just my aunt. The one who gave birth to my first road dog, my aunt who came to live with us at the age of 6 with my uncle vaughn, who i had no idea was a big movie star. The aunt who sung at my high school graduation, taught me my bad shopping habits, and took her granddaughters, my daughters, and i to see disney on ice. My aunt who taught me that emeralds were more than diamonds when me shopped for my graduation gift that im wearing today. My aunt who gave me my open house for college and cooked dinner for my roommate and i when she came to visit detroit for spring break. My aunt who had a picture of my best friend and i on her piano for over 20 years, the one who listened to me when i told her she had to have jill scott and mary j. On her diva special and she had to go on wendy. My aunt who chartered a bus so our family could go to president obamas inauguration and made sure i was front and center for the swearing in. The one who taught me the importance of capturing every moment with a picture or two. And after every award ceremony, she was my gossip girl. The one who could bring grown women and men to tears from the sound of her voice and the only person on earth that could call me chrissy. I will be forever grateful for every road trip, every person i ever met through my aunt, and im grateful most of all she had a loving brother who loved my mom and they got married and made me, and in turn i made my daughter brooklyn, whos now graduating from howard this year, and thats all possible because of my aunt. One of the most important things to our family is education. My daughter goes to howard, and victory goes to howard too. And their children will continue the legacy of education because i will continue it in my family name of doing the foundation so that children will never forget who my aunt was, never forget who my grandfather was, never forget my aunt carolyn, never forget my father, and never forget my uncle vaughn. Again, i just want to say to everyone sitting here, everyone watching in the world, thank you. [ applause ] i was once told that love is a verb. You can tell a person that you love them, but in the end it is what you show them that matters. My aunt loved as much and as hard as she could. As i thought about what i was going to say when i stood up here today, i thought about how much my family and i loved our mother, our grandmother, our auntie, the matriarch and the pillar of the franklin family. I asked myself, how do you say goodbye to someone that you just love so much . Someone who has been with you for all of your adult life. Someone who took you under their wings and loved you like a son after the death of your parents. Someone who was there for you through the good times and the bad times. And someone who could make you smile with a simple hello. Over the past few months, i spent a lot of time traveling back and forth from atlanta to detroit to help take care of my auntie in any way that i could. Doing those visits, she and i talked about the importance of family, and we would even cook together. When i was with my auntie in july at her apartment in downtown detroit, she and i were talking, and she paused for a moment in the middle of the conversation and asked, frankie, what do you think . I knew what she was talking about, but how do you find the words to tell someone that you love so much that you can see her health and her physical statue declining each time that you saw her . At that moment, i knew and understood that she was aware that her final days were near. I started my remarks by asking, how do you say goodbye to someone that you love so much . Were not saying goodbye, auntie. But farewell, until we see you again in our final resting place. Thank you. [ applause ] please receive the musical tribute from miss franklins son, my friend. We lived eight blocks from each other. We went to mcdowell elementary together. Clai clarence, edward, and myself. We played Little League baseball and karate lessons and cub scouts and all of that. They had a little more money than we did. Miss franklin would always have ed to sing. He wants to give a tribute to his mother. I ask you to give god a praise for mr. Edward franklin as he gives his mother a musical tribute. [ applause ] thank you. Oh mercy, mercy me. Things aint what they used to be where did all the blue skies go oh, mercy, mercy me things aint what they used to be, no, no oil wasted on the ocean and upon our seas, fish full of mercury oh, mercy, mercy me things aint what they used to be, no, no radiation underground and in the sky animals and birds who live nearby are dying oh, mercy, mercy me things aint what they what they used to be oh, mercy, mercy me things aint what they used to be oil wasted on our ocean and upon our seas fish full of mercury oh, oh i love you, mom. Youre still here with us. Come on. Mr. Eddie franklin, our friend, second son of miss Aretha Franklin. This time Sabrina Owens is coming with the obituary, followed by alice tillman. Well make a deviation in the program and bring after alice, Bishop Marvin sapp. Aretha Louise Franklin. Aretha franklin is a giant of soul music and an American National treasure who continues to be revered around the globe. One of the bestselling Musical Artists of all time, having sold more than 75 million records worldwide, the undisputed queen of soul. She created an amazing legacy of more than six decades. She has sung before heads of state and foreign royals and gained admiration from fans, colleagues, and fellow artists across all genres. Shes both the 20th and 21st century musical and cultural icon who is known all over the world simply by her first name, aretha. Her vocal mastery and artistic excellence have been recognized numerous times over the course of her distinguished career. Aretha is the recipient of the usas highest civilian honor, the president ial medal of freedom, as well as an 18time grammy award winner, the recipient of the grammy Lifetime Achievement, and a grammy Living Legend honor. She was the youngest individual ever to receive the coveted Kennedy Center honor, the first female inductee into the rock and roll hall of fame, the second female inductee into the uk music hall of fame, and an inductee into the gospel music hall of fame. Aretha was the first woman and fourth artist in history to achieve 100 r b billboard charted singles with her version of rolling in the deep. Aretha has been proclaimed internationally as the voice of the Civil Rights Movement, the voice of black america, and a symbol of black equality. In 1968, her spiritually uplifting voice was heard around the world singing at the funeral of civil rights icon dr. Martin luther king jr. , and in 1972 at the funeral of queen of gospel mahalia jackson. Her voice was declared a Natural Resource of the state by the department of Natural Resources of the state of michigan. Arooe th aretha would reach a milestone by singing at the first inauguration of president barack obama. Arethas powerful, distinctive gospel vocal style has influenced countless singers across multiple generations and musical genres. Justifiably earning her the number one position on Rolling Stone magazines list of the greatest singers of all time. Aretha Louise Franklin was born on march 25th, 1942, in memphis, tennessee, the fourth of five children born to reverend clarence c. L. Franklin, and barbara and was raised in detroit. Arethas father served as pastor of New Bethel Baptist Church in detroit, michigan, from 1946 to 1979. A nationally recognized American Baptist minister and civil rights activist who marched with dr. Martin luther king jr. , most notably in the 1963 detroit walk of freedom. Reverend franklin was known as the man with the milliondollar voice and was one of the First Baptist ministers to record and distribute his sermons. Arethas mother, barbara, was a gifted pianist, and according to her close friend mahalia jackson, one of the finest gospel singers in the country. Talent ran strong within the family. Arethas sisters later became professional musicians as well and spent years performing background vocals on her recordings, along with her cousin brenda. Her brother cecil became her manager and maintained that position until his death in 1989. Her brother vaughn, a retired air force and vietnam veteran, became her stage manager in 1990 until his death in 2002. Arethas musical gifts were apparent at an early age, largely selftaught she became a gifted pianist with a powerful voice and was widely regarded as a child prodigy. Aretha got her start as a performer singing in front of her fathers congregation. By the age of 14, she had recorded some of her earliest tracks at her Fathers Church which were released by a small label as the album songs of faith in 1956. She also performed with her fathers traveling revival, and while on tour befriended such gospel greats as mahalia jackson, sam cloook, and clara ward. In 1960 with her fathers blessing, aretha traveled to new york. After being courted by several labels there, including mo town and rca, she signed with columbia records, which released the album aretha in 1961. In 1966, aretha signed with atlantic records. In 1967, the album i never loved a man the way i love you was released. Of this period, the allmusic guide wrote, franklin had become one of the Biggest International recording stars in all of pop. In 1968, dr. Martin luther king jr. Himself presented her with a special award for inspiring so Many Americans with her music. Franklins success continued throughout the 70s, and as she branched out to work with notable producers such as Curtis Mayfield and quincy jones. Her string of top charting hits during the decade included call me, dont play that song for me, spanish harlem, bridge over troubled waters, just to name a few. In 1985, aretha returned to the top of the charts with a platinum certified album. In 1987, aretha became the first female artist to be inducted into the rock and roll hall of fame. Aretha continued to amass grammy milestones. In 1991, aretha received the recording academys grammy legend award. In 1993, aretha was invited to sing at the inauguration of bill clinton, and the following year she received both a grammy and Lifetime Achievement award. In 2003, she released her final studio album so damn happy. In 2008, she received her 18th grammy award for never going to break my faith. In 2009, she performed my country tis of thee at the historic inauguration of president barack obama. Over the course of her career, franklin has supported a large number of charities and advocacy organizations, including the naacp, special olympics, feeding america, the rain forest foundation, and the Barbara Davis center for childhood diabetes. Arethas artistry has also earned her a number of academic distinctions. Among them are honorary degrees from both Harvard University and new york university. Aretha transitioned this life on thursday, august 16th, 2018, in detroit, michigan, surrounded by her friends and family. Those who are commending her loving spirit into the assurance of her eternal rest are her loved ones who preceded her. Her parents, clarence and barbara, her sisters Carolyn Franklin and irma franklin, her brothers Cecil Franklin and Vaughn Franklin, and her nephew Thomas Garrett jr. She leaves to cherish her precious memories her children, clarence and edward franklin, theodore r. White iii, grandchildren stephon fred, jordan franklin, victory franklin, grace franklin, greatgrandchildren, one sister, two sistersinlaw, Arlene Franklin and cindy franklin. A first cousin reared as a sister, brenda corbett, james corbett. Four nieces, Sabrina Owens, oliver owens, crystal franklin, bridget franklin, and marlene brown. Five nephews, vaughn c. Franklin jr. , christine franklin, timothy franklin, Carolyn Franklin, anthony franklin, pamela franklin, terrell franklin, and charles smith, tina smith. One uncle, and a host of great nieces, great nephews, and cousins, including larone garrett, asia garrett, brooklyn hardeman, Vaughn Franklin iii, dominique hardy, joshua franklin, anthony gates, andrea gates, amber hal monday franklin, anthony franklin, cameron green, chris ttina davi jeff low, romney darrell, doris lowe, billy wilson, deon. Thank you. [ applause ] amazing family, indeed. An amazing woman. Sabrina owens, the niece of Aretha Franklin, with her obituary. 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Ask your doctor about everyday verzenio. Omar, check this out. Uh, yeah, i was calling to see if you do laser hair removal. For men. Notice that my hips are off the ground. [ engine revving ] and then, im gonna pike my hips back into downward dog. [ rhythmic tapping ] hey, the rain stopped. A bad day on the road still beats a good one off it. Tell me about that dental procedure again i can still taste it in my mouth progressive helps keep you out there. Were going to get back to the funeral of Aretha Franklin shortly, but were following a few headlines that are now bubbling here in washington. A revelation from bruce ohr that russians thought they had thencandidate donald trump, quote, over a barrel. An american lobbyist with ties to ukraine pleads guilty in the case referred by the special Counsel Robert Mueller, and a Washington Attorney has surfaced as a possible new white house counsel. Several developments. I want to bring in our justice correspondent evan perez, whos following these stories. What can you tell us first of all about bruce ohr, this Justice Department official, what he told congressional staffers behind closed doors . Several days ago bruce ohr spent hours behind closed doors providing testimony to members of the house, wolf. In that testimony, were told by sources that bruce ohr described a breakfast he had in july of 2016 with Christopher Steele. Christopher steele obviously is the person who we now know was the author of the nowinfamous trump russia dossier. In this breakfast is where according to bruce ohr, whos a former Justice Department lawyer, highlevel lawyer, he says that Christopher Steele described that the russian intelligence agencies claimed to have thencandidate donald trump over a barrel. Now, we dont know more about what he meant by that testimony, but it really sort of aligns with what weve now seen from the dossier that Christopher Steele provided later that year in 2016, which we now know was a part of the became part of this fbi investigation that donald trump is still living with, wolf. Were also learning, e evan, more about the effort to replace the Outgoing White House counsel don mcgahn. What are you learning . Well, one name that has now surfaced as a high possibility to replace don mcgahn is a washington lawyer who it turns out over the last few months has been providing advice to the president s legal team. The president has gotten to know him, according to sources weve talked to. So it appears that he is now a front runner for the job to replace don mcgahn. Theres another story thats developing right now involving a washington lobbyist who saw Trump Administration tickets for a ukrainian oligarch. What about that . Well, Samuel Patton is this operative here in washington who pleaded guilty today in federal court here in washington for failing to register as an agent of a foreign power. So he allegedly got paid over a Million Dollars over the years working with the Political Party in ukraine. As part of what he was pleading guilty to today, the Court Documents say that he helped secure tickets for the president ial inauguration of donald trump, that he took a ukrainian oligarch with him to the inauguration, wolf. The charge was that he didnt register as a foreign agent, is that right . Thats right. Hes pleading guilty to failing to register as a foreign agent, which is the same which we now know is one of the things that the special Counsel Robert Mueller has been focused on in his investigation. By the way, this case, wolf, began over at the special Counsel Robert Muellers office. He referred it over to the u. S. Attorneys here in washington. Very interesting. Several developments. Evan, thank you very much. Amidst all of this, we are also remembering senator john mccain today as he lies in state at the u. S. Capitol rotunda. Youre looking at pictures of the public now having an opportunity to walk around the rotunda and pay their respects to this great american. I want to bring in one of his many friends in the u. S. Senate, New Hampshire democrat jeanne shaheen. Thanks so much for joining us. We all know he loved New Hampshire. First of all, what did you think of todays ceremony at the Capitol Rotunda . Well, it was a very distinguished ceremony, as it is when someone lies in state, and i think its been pointed out hes only the 30th person to lie in state in the rotunda of the capitol, and that speaks to the statesman that john mccain was, to the service that he provided to the country, both as a member of the military in the navy during vietnam, in his prisoner of war days, and to the work he did in the house, but especially in the senate, his years on the Armed Services committee, his support for our men and women in the military, his work to normalize relations with vietnam after his own horrific experience, his willingness to reach across the aisle and work with anybody who was after the same goal he was after. There just arent very many people like that either today or in american history. Yeah, only 30 americans were honored previously. Today he became the 31st to lie in state at the Capitol Rotunda. Snator, i want you to look at this instagram picture just posted by meghan mccain, the daughter of john mccain. Shes with Lindsey Graham and Joe Lieberman. Lindsey graham and Joe Lieberman and john mccain used to be called the three amigos. Great friends. Lindsey graham, Joe Lieberman both there today. What do you think . You know, again, it speaks to his ability to work with people on all sides of the partisan divide. He worked closely with folks in New Hampshire. Senator ayotte, my former colleague in the senate, and steve dupree from New Hampshire were both there today. He had very close ties with people in New Hampshire from his runs for president. And people loved him because he was a straight talker, because of his service, because of his willingness to stand on principle for what he thought was right. Again, we will not see someone like that any time soon. What are you going to most remember about one of the things i worked closely with him on is making sure those people, those afghans who helped our men and women in the afghan war and put their lives at risk to do that were able to come to the United States so they werent murdered by the taliban . One was when john mccain was in my office welcoming one of those afghans who served and the army captain whose live they changed coming to america to be saved because he was being threatened . Its one of those places john mccain didnt get a lot of kudos for that, but did what was right. Senator mccain requested as a final act of bipartisanship the wreaths brought into the rotunda surrounding his casket would be brought in by leaders of both parties, there was mitch mcc mcconnell, nancy pelosi, paul ryan. They all walked in together. That is an act the senator and his family wanted. What happened to that kind of bipartisan cooperation in washington . It seems to be missing now. It is missing. Having that symbol that shows its important to Work Together and we can do great things if we Work Together and make compromises if we need to and stand on principle when we do that is critical. That was one of the role models john mccain provided, not just for congress, but for the country. We will miss that. We need people to step up and follow that model he set. Senator thanks for joining us on this important day. Jeanne shaheen of New Hampshire, thank you. We are going to have more news on whats going on in washington. Theres a lot going on. Also, we are going to detroit to see more of Aretha Franklins funeral. Were standing by to hear the former president , bill clinton. Lots more music and more after this. Its absolute confidence in 30,000 precision parts, or it isnt. Its inspected by mercedesbenz factorytrained technicians, or it isnt. Its backed by an unlimited mileage warranty, or it isnt. For those who never settle, its either mercedesbenz certified preowned, or it isnt. The mercedesbenz certified preowned sales event, now through august 31st. Only at your authorized mercedesbenz dealer. How do you feel about this one . With up to 60 off top mattress brands and knowledgeable, hasslefree mattress professionals, sears helps your family on the way to a good nights sleep. Well take it the sears labor day event. Going on now until i held her. Managing my type 2 diabetes wasnt my top priority. I found my tresiba® reason. Now im doing more to lower my a1c. This is a celebration of a life that was extremely well led. There is joy in that. Theres happiness, even, in that. But, i cannot ignore the sadness that i feel in saying goodbye to a woman i was privileged to know and who i long admired before i ever had the chance to meet her. Whether i was a teenager in a Basement Party in new york city looking for that special someone to dance with to aint no way, or a departing attorney general of the United States surprised and delighted that she came and sang america at my farewell ceremony. Aretha franklin has always been a part of my life. I think all of us can say that. It is hard to imagine that magnificent voice has been stilled, that compelling presence is gone too soon. She was born a princess. Her family made her so. But, it was through her talent, determination and care for others that she became a queen. Her family shared her with detroit. Detroit shared her with america. This nation shared her with the world, but she was always ours. She was always ours. Our princess and ultimately, our queen. The issues that mattered to her were the same concerns of the people proud of her and who she never forget. She was the rare queen that never lost the common touch. She could drop her fur coat on the stage of the Kennedy Center in front of those with great power and great wealth and continue to care about the poor, unfairly treated people and forgotten hearts of this country. In her voice was shared the joys, the sadness, the pain and the faith of a people through the power of her artistry, her voice became universal for all people. You felt that in her music. It was lyrical. It was sweet. It was earthy. It was righteous and it was powerful. She is moved us in ways no artist ever had before or since. Aretha franklin commanded respect. She deservedly received it and made it possible for others. Now, hers was a consequential life beyond the impact she had as a great singer. That should never, ever be forgotten, in ways not known to many, she was part of the movement that set this nation free. She made one song, in particular, her own. It became an anthem for a movement that made women more equal. In short, her status as queen, unlike others who inherit the title, her title was earned. [ applause ] it has been said that hers was a once in a lifetime voice. That is simply not true. Her gift was almost worldly. There has never been, there will never be another voice melded to the constant artistry that was miss Aretha Franklin. We should count ourselves fortunate we lived in a time god shared one of his unique gifts before us. Those who came before us and after us will not have the same privilege we all have had. She made our lives richer and she made our lives better. She made this country both more sensitive and more just. Aretha franklin made the world more beautiful and more understandable. She comforted us. She moved us and she inspired us. God sang through her. I know that she is in a better place and surrounded now by so many she missed for far too long. Our days will be a little less bright in our lives, a bit empty. Its impacted this wonderful woman had on all of us. We must find joy in her continuing ability through her recordings, videos, to connect with one another, especially with those we love with her music and the unique way she described so much of what we all experience. Now, im going to end by paraphrasing words from what is probably my favorite Aretha Franklin song. She wont call anymore and well sit and wait in vain, our love is true and its all for you. Aretha franklin. Rest in peace, my queen. [ applause ] we just watched the former attorney general, eric holder there. Senator Debby Stabenow speaking there. What a day this is in america. Im brooke baldwin. We are going take you through it all. This nation honoring, remembering, celebrating two legends in ceremonies powerful and beautiful in their right. You have the late senator, john mccain, he is lying in state there. Members of the public having the precious opportunity to bid their own farewell to such a legend and hero in this country, a moment of bipartisan reverence and salute to his 60 years, 60 years of service to this country. But, Aretha Franklin, a celebration of life fit for a queen. In her hometown of detroit, michigan. Tributes from ariana grande, faith hill and clark sisters. Poignant reflections from her family and smokey robinson. I promise, i wont talk through all of it. Lets start with arethas funeral. Fredricka, let me