Recent tributes to Aretha Franklin are culminating Friday in the answer to one question: How do you lay a queen to rest?
It was what drew the crowd to Detroit's Greater Grace Temple on Friday morning to honor the "Queen of Soul," who died August 16 at age 76 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Franklin's funeral was a star-studded gathering, and the pews were packed with fellow musicians, famous actors, religious leaders and politicians, including a former US President.
Aretha Franklin's funeral: Live updates
Franklin's open casket was placed at the front of the church as mourners streamed by in
advance of the service. As they passed by, they saw the singer's body dressed all in gold, with a long sequin gown and high heels to match her gleaming gold casket.
Projected on the walls were the words "A Celebration Fit for the Queen."
A rousing gospel choir greeted attendees who took their seats in the pews as the processional began, and before long many were on their feet, singing and clapping along.
Detroit to name park after 'Queen of Soul'
The casket was closed at the end of the lengthy processional after the singer's family and friends had said goodbye and as the choir sang, "Jesus, the Light of the World."
"Walk in the light," the singers proclaimed as the casket lid was lowered, "the beautiful light. Come where the dewdrops of mercy shine bright."
As the last of Franklin's family members took their seat, Bishop Charles H. Ellis III, who is officiating the service, asked the congregation to stand and applaud them.
"This family has shared their mother, their grandmother, their aunt, their cousin with the entire world," Ellis said. "Let us all stand and thank them for sharing her with us."
Singer Faith Hill was the first of many celebrities to perform, belting out a rendition of "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" alongside the gospel choir.
Hill was immediately followed by Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, who took the pulpit to tell everyone he wanted to rename the city's Chene Park after Franklin, and that he was sending a proposal to the City Council on Tuesday to do so.
"Our beautiful waterfront jewel will be Aretha Franklin Park," he said, "and when performers from generations to come from around the world come here they will be reminded they are performing at the home of the 'Queen of Soul.' "
In the church lobby were floral arrangements from some of Franklin's best-known friends, including Tony Bennett, Barbra Streisand and Diana Ross.
Outside, dozens of pink Cadillac owners worked together to pay their respects, lining the road ahead of Franklin's funeral. The tribute was a nod to Franklin's 1985 hit "Freeway of Love" in which she sang, "We goin' ridin' on the freeway of love in my pink Cadillac."
Pink Cadillac owners line up their cars in Detroit to pay tribute to the "Queen of Soul."
Isiah Thomas, the former Detroit Pistons player and a friend of Franklin's, told CNN he could hardly believe the day had arrived to say goodbye.
"Even though you knew over the last couple of months that she was sick and you knew this day was coming and you thought you would be prepared for it -- but now that it's here it really is overwhelming," he said.
Shirley Caesar, the famous gospel singer and another friend of Franklin's, agreed.
"I've been wishing and hoping that I will wake up and that this is just a dream," she said.
Service honoring Franklin's roots
Friday's service will touch on Franklin's significance to her friends, family and fans, organizers told CNN. There are musical tributes planned from several artists, including Stevie Wonder, Faith Hill, Ariana Grande, Jennifer Hudson, Fantasia and Jennifer Holliday.
Besides the Detroit mayor, former President Bill Clinton, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder and the Rev. Jesse Jackson were to speak, signifying Franklin's political and social influence. She stood on the front lines of the civil rights movement, where her music served as a frequent anthem.
The remains of Aretha Franklin arrive for her funeral service Friday at Detroit's Greater Grace Temple.
The presence of Hollywood stars such as Tyler Perry and Cicely Tyson, who will also speak, are a nod to Franklin's contributions on screen and off in films such as "The Blues Brothers."
Remarks from her grandchildren and an obituary reading by her niece Sabrina Owens are planned
Owens told CNN the funeral service will pay homage to Franklin's gospel roots and her love of the church.
"We knew we wanted to have certain gospel artists like the Williams Brothers and Pastor Shirley Caesar," Owens said. "And there were other people who called us wanting to participate."
Her family wanted to keep the funeral service private to those closest to Franklin -- though it will be streamed and portions broadcast by major networks -- but worked to provide the singer's many fans an extended opportunity to say goodbye this week, Owens said.
Viewings earlier this week at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History and at Franklin's childhood parish, New Bethel Baptist Church, as well as an all-star tribute concert Thursday night, were all planned with the public in mind.
Vincent Street wipes down Franklin's casket during a public viewing this week at a Detroit museum.
Aretha Franklin comes home to New Bethel Baptist Church
Friday's service, however, will feature those who knew and loved Franklin most, such as her childhood friend, singer Smokey Robinson, who talked to CNN soon after Franklin died about their life-long friendship.
"Aretha was my baby," Robinson said. "We were just cool all of our lives, and we stayed in contact, and we talked all the time up until she was no longer able to do that a few weeks ago."
Owens said Franklin loved fiercely and was the family's matriarch.
"We really haven't had much of an opportunity to have private moments," Owens said. "I know the world lost the 'Queen,' but her sons lost their mother, her nieces and nephews lost their aunt. ... We lost a family member and we haven't had a chance to come together as a group to truly realize that we have lost one who loved us so much and was so loyal to us."
Owens added, "It's going to be very difficult after all this is over and people have all gone away."
Cheers,
Errol