Aretha Franklin‘s now world-famous Inauguration hat, created by Detroit milliner Luke Song, is on the verge of making US history. The Smithsonian Museum is requesting that Aretha donate her amazingly fabulous hat so that it will be enshrined for all time as an artifact in a new exhibit to immortalize President Barack Obama‘s historic inauguration. If Aretha complies, it will be showcased alongside First Lady Michelle Obama‘s Inaugruation dress in the Smithsonian exhibit:

Michelle Obama’s now-famous Jason Wu gown isn’t the only piece of Inaugural fashion that is headed for the Smithsonian. The museum is also requesting the now-iconic hat that Aretha Franklin wore while singing at the swearing-in. Aretha, however, is still undecided about parting with her Luke Song-designed hat. “I am considering it. It would be hard to part with my chapeau since it was such a crowning moment in history,” says the Queen of Soul. “I would like to smile every time I look back at it and remember what a great moment it was in American and African-American history. Ten cheers for President Obama.” Aretha’s hat has already inspired a line of toppers, recreating her custom version in different colors and bow size. If Franklin decides to donate the hat to the museum, it will become part of an exhibit of President Obama’s Inaugural display along with Michelle’s gown.

I think y’all know that I am a HUGE fan of this hat and I would LOVE to see it enshrined in the Smithsonian … and I bet I’m not the only one, either:

I haven’t been to the Smithsonian Museum in Washington DC since my 10th grade school trip back in the day. If this hat goes on display, I would make the pilgrimage to our Nation’s Capitol to see it in person. I doubt the museum would allow visitor to try on the hat but I’m hoping one day to place this hallowed piece of fabulosity on my head. If not the real thing, I’d settle for a reproduction. That is one photo I hope to share with the world one day.

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