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Thousands pack Chene Park for star-studded tribute concert honoring Aretha Franklin

Posted at 10:07 PM, Aug 30, 2018
and last updated 2018-08-30 23:00:28-04

It was a tribute for the ages.  

Thousand of fans packed the Chene Park amphitheater to celebrate the life and legacy of Aretha Franklin.  

Some folks, like Sharon Applewhite, who didn't get tickets, brought their lawn chairs and sat outside because they didn't get tickets, but say they wanted to show up and celebrate the Queen of Soul. 

"R-E-S-P-E-C-T, respect," Applewhite said. "I’m going to remember that."

Six-thousand people packed the ampitheater. 

"She is the Queen of Soul," said NeGayle Muhammad. "She has just touched every facet of my life. My mom always played her music so it shaped and motivates me as a young woman." 

Nearly 40 entertainers took the stage to remember Franklin, for who she was and what she meant for music.

"This is just fabulous how the world has come out see her and show approval of what she’s done," said Roderick Lynch.

The concert sold out thousands of free tickets in less than 10 minutes.

"I just felt the love from our whole city and the support of Detroit how everything is just coming together for all of us," Applewhite said.

It was a star-studded event with celebrity performers and family all in attendance.

"It just speaks a lot to the legacy that she is, that so many people would take the time to honor the Queen," Muhammad said.

Many people say this tribute concert is a perfect way to honor the Queen of Soul.

"Aretha would have loved to be here to see this," Lynch said. "I’m sure she’s smiling down on everybody like wow."

Concert goers say the Queen may be gone, but she will never be forgotten.