Bill Clinton is scheduled to speak at Aretha Franklin's funeral on Friday, August 31, according Bishop Charles Ellis III of Greater Grace Temple.
Franklin's rep, Gwendolyn Quinn, says other speakers will include Smokey Robinson, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Cicely Tyson, former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, music mogul Clive Davis, the Rev. Al Sharpton, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder and Bishop T.D. Jakes.
Local speakers includes: Governor Rick Snyder, Mayor Mike Duggan, Detroit City Council President Brenda Jones and State Representative Brenda Lawrence.
Clinton and the Queen of Soul were longtime friends. She sang at both of his inaugurations.
The Clintons released this statement when the Queen of Soul passed away on August 16:
Hillary and I mourn the loss of our friend Aretha Franklin, one of America's greatest national treasures. For more than 50 years, she stirred our souls. She was elegant, graceful, and utterly uncompromising in her artistry. Aretha’s first music school was the church and her performances were powered by what she learned there. I'll always be grateful for her kindness and support, including her performances at both my inaugural celebrations, and for the chance to be there for what sadly turned out to be her final performance last November at a benefit supporting the fight against HIV/AIDS. She will forever be the Queen of Soul and so much more to all who knew her personally and through her music. Our hearts go out to her family and her countless fans.
The Rev. Jasper Williams Jr. will deliver the eulogy. He is pastor of Salem Baptist Church in Atlanta.
The homegoing service will feature an all-star lineup of performers including: Stevie Wonder, Faith Hill, Chaka Khan and Jennifer Hudson.
Franklin died last Thursday of pancreatic cancer at the age of 76. Her funeral will be held at Greater Grace Temple.
Action News will stream Aretha Franklin's funeral on air and in our app.
