Obama's tribute to Aretha Franklin: Read the full text of his letter

Anne Saker | Cincinnati Enquirer

Show Caption Hide Caption Aretha Franklin's epic Obama inauguration performance Aretha Franklin brought down the house at President Barack Obama's first inauguration in 2009. Her performance was as memorable for her hat as it was for her rendition of "America (My Country 'Tis of Thee)." (Aug. 16)

Former President Barack Obama sent a letter in memory of Aretha Franklin that the Rev. Al Sharpton read at her funeral Friday in Detroit.

"Dear Friends and Family of Aretha:

"Michelle and I extend our heartfelt sympathies to all those who have gathered in Detroit, and we join you in remembering and celebrating the life of the Queen of Soul.

"From a young age, Aretha Franklin rocked the world of anyone who had the pleasure of hearing her voice. Whether bringing people together through a thrilling intersection of genres or advancing important causes through the power of song, Aretha’s work reflected the very best of our American story – in all of its hope and heart, its boldness and its unmistakable beauty.

"In the example she set, both as an artist and a citizen, Aretha embodied those most revered virtues of forgiveness and reconciliation, while the music she made captured some of our deepest human desires: namely affection and respect. And through her own voice, Aretha lifted those of millions, empowering and inspiring the vulnerable, the downtrodden, and everyone who may have just needed a little love.

"Aretha truly was one of a kind. And as you pay tribute, know we’ll be saying a little prayer for you. And we’ll be thinking of all of Aretha’s loved ones in the days and weeks to come.

"Sincerely, Barack Obama"

Former President George W. Bush also sent a letter to Franklin's family. Obama and Bush were not at Franklin's funeral but were expected to attend the funeral of Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona Saturday in Washington.

In her career, Franklin sang for many world leaders, but one of her most unforgettable performances came when she sang at Obama's 2009 inauguration as the nation's first black president. Then in 2015, she brought him to tears singing "Natural Woman" at the Kennedy Center Honors Awards.