Watch CBS News

Family Members Celebrate Birthday Of Late 'Queen Of Soul'

DETROIT (CBS DETROIT/AP) — Today the Queen of Soul would have turned 77-years-old.

Family members are celebrating Aretha Franklin's life on her birthday with a memorial service and a screening of a new documentary film.

The service was held Monday inside a chapel at Woodlawn Cemetery in Detroit. Franklin died last year after battling pancreatic cancer and was laid to rest inside a crypt not far from Woodlawn's chapel.

Sabrina Owens, Franklin's niece, says "our family thought it might be a good idea for us to start the day the right way — in prayer." Those who attended remembered not only the legendary singer but also other departed members of the Franklin family.

Several celebrities took to Twitter to wish the Queen a Happy Birthday, including Detroit's own rapper, Big Sean who is also celebrating a birthday today.

 

 

Later Monday, the Detroit Institute of Arts will host the premiere of "Amazing Grace," which chronicles Franklin's 1972 performance at a Los Angeles church.

© 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.