Family and friends were seen arriving at the Greater Grace Temple in the US city of Detroit.
In a break from tradition black vehicles, the funeral parade was made up of three distinctive white cars, including an ivory 1940 Cadillac Lasalle.
Rather than simply being a showpiece, the two-door car that transported Aretha’s body was also the same vehicle in the funeral of her late father Rev. C.L. Franklin.
Aretha died on August 16, 2018 aged 76.
The Queen of Soul was brought to the church in a white Cadillac LaSalle hearse that once carried civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks, and also her father legendary minister CL Franklin.
The hearse will pick her up again to take her body to Woodlawn Cemetery, where Parks and her father were also buried.
As crowds gathered outside the church to say their goodbyes, six men were seen carrying Franklin out of the 1940s hearse and into the church, while another two stood behind them.
Aretha Franklin arrived at the Greater Grace Temple in Detroit on Friday morning in the 1940s hearse which transported her body to the viewing earlier this week |
Former boxer Tommy Hearns was seen making his way into the venue as well as US TV regular and former political aide to President Donald Trump Omarose Onee Manigault Newman.
Other notable guests expected to attend include Chaka Khan, Jennifer Holliday and Ariana Grande.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan told the congregation he would be moving to rename the city's famed Chene Park to Aretha Franklin Park as soon as council met again.
'Our beautiful waterfront jewel will be Aretha Franklin Park, and when performers for generations to come arrive, they will be reminded they are performing at the home of the Queen of Soul,' he told the cheering crowd.
Brenda Jones, Detroit City Council President, seconded the motion, and also announced a second street had been named after the singer.
Council member JoAnn Watson said Franklin was always eager to share her wealth with her community, and was never too good to do anything herself.
'She would ride the streets of Detroit, quietly taking notice of people with special needs and making donations,' Watson said.
'She will forever be our Queen.'
Remarks began with local politicians before Ariana Grande sang Franklin's song (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman
Ariana Grande's performance was well received, with the audience breaking into rapturous applause when she finished
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