Ex-President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama (Government photo)
Barack Obama and Michelle Obama (White House photo)
Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama won't attend Aretha Franklin's funeral Friday in Detroit, but their presence will be felt.
"Unfortunately, President and Mrs. Obama will not be able to attend Aretha Franklin’s services on Friday, but they have sent a letter, which the Rev. Al Sharpton will be reading during the service," a spokeswoman says, according to the Detroit Free Press.
Additionally, former President George W. Bush has also sent a letter to be read.
Both ex-Presidents Bush and Obama are delivering eulogies at Sen. John McCain's funeral Saturday at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.
Franklin, who died of pancreatic cancer, sang at President Jimmy Carter’s Inaugural Gala in 1977, at former President Bill Clinton's inaugural ceremonies and at Obama's inauguration in 2009.
Clinton and his wife, Hillary, plan to attend the Detroit service at Greater Grace Temple, where the former president will be among speakers. Additionally, former Detroit Pistons star Isiah Thomas is expected to speak at the funeral and Lebron James plans to attend.
