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While many of us are struggling with the sudden and extremely tragic loss of Whitney Houston, I’m quite certain the pain is even more palpable for the family and friends who knew her. Almost immediately, touching tributes of love and remembrance started showing up on Twitter from many of Whitney‘s close, personal friends. Additionally, other artists who worked with Whitney on projects in the past were asked for comment on her passing. All together, these messages of love and loss formulate a very touching and heartfelt tribute to the amazing Whitney Houston. Click below to read some comments from some of Whitney‘s friends, including messages from Aretha Franklin, Mariah Carey, Dolly Parton and more.

Earlier this month we learned the happy news that Aretha Franklin and her longtime companion William Willie Wilkerson got themselves engaged to be married. Today we learn that Aretha has changed her mind and decided to call off the engagement. In an official statement released today, Aretha reveals that she and Willie were “moving too fast” and got engaged too soon. It’s unclear if Aretha and Willie are still romantically involved but we do know for sure that they are NOT getting married.

Congratulations are in order for Aretha Franklin, the undisputed Queen of Soul, because today we learn that she has gotten herself engaged to be married to her longtime boyfriend William Willie Wilkerson. People magazine is reporting today that Aretha has finally decided to tie the knot with the man she always referred to as her “forever friend” and is already thinking wedding dresses and wedding locales! Click below to learn more.

Last Sunday, I posted a list of celebrity guests that was rumored for the final episodes of The Oprah Winfrey Show and last night, that list panned out completely. Altho more guests appeared on the Oprah Extravaganza than was reported, every person on that list was in attendance at the taping in Chicago, IL yesterday … and what an extravaganza it was. Oprah was paid tribute to by some of the world’s most famous people … so many celebs that the episode will be shown over 2 days (with the absolute final episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show featuring no guests at all … just Oprah and her audience). Check out below some photos and many deets below of Oprah‘s big night in Chicago last night.

Elle magazine is paying homage to Women in Music this month and they have chosen Gwen Stefani (who has enjoyed much success fronting No Doubt and as a solo artist) to grace the cover of this special issue. Gwen is joined by music legends Aretha Franklin and Stevie Nicks in this Women in Music issue along with newcomers Adele, Willow Smith, Florence Welch and more! Check out below Gwen‘s beautiful Elle magazine coverphoto and read excerpts from not only her interview with the magazine but quotes from the other women featured in this fantastic new issue of Elle.

Earlier this week we saw photos of a very slimmed down Aretha Franklin sitting courtside with some famous sports friends at a NY Knicks basketball game and today we get to see Aretha celebrating her recent 69th birthday with a few of her other famous friends. Aretha, who reportedly lost 85 lbs. over the course of just a few months, looked mostly happy to be in the close company of her famous BFFs. Check out some photos from her soirée earlier this week.

Last December we were fearing for the life of Aretha Franklin was it was reported that she had undergone a mysterious surgery. At the time, there were rumors that she was dying from some form of cancer. In January, we were assured that Aretha did NOT have cancer but no details were given about the reason for her surgery. During the 2011 Grammy Awards, Aretha appeared in public and it was clear that she had lost a lot of weight. Last night, she showed up courtside at the NY Knicks basketball game still lookin’ thinner and, well, much better.

Much love and early birthday wishes go out to the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, who celebrated her 67th birthday in Detroit, MI this past Saturday at Seldom Blues restaurant where 200 of her closest friends where on hand to help her party hearty. Altho Aretha‘s actual birthday is tomorrow March 25, her friends decided to get the party started early. Aretha‘s now world-famous hat, created for her by milliner Luke Song to wear to President Barack Obama‘s inauguration in January, also made a cameo appearance at the shindig … in the form of her birthday cake … an naturally stole the show:

The Queen of Soul can throw a party, and she clearly gets a kick over the worldwide attention over her famous gray felt Inaugural Hat. To celebrate her 67 years on the planet, Franklin threw a party for 200 friends at Seldom Blues Saturday and the centerpiece was a cake that was a replica of her stylish gray-bowed chapeau, made out of yellow cake with buttercream frosting and fresh raspberries. Guests dined on chef Jerry Nottage’s famed gumbo, as well as on meat loaf prepared from one of Franklin’s own recipes. Entertaining the guests was President Obama impersonator Iman Crosson, famous for rapping and dancing as the president on youtube, and soul singer Kenny Lattimore, who did a special “President Obama” remix of his song “Something.” The plus-sized trio Secret Trois and Raheem Devaughn also appeared. The “Inaugural Hat” cake was made by cake designer to the stars, Sylvia Weinstock of New York. Weinstock also made tiny replicas of the hat cake, wrapped in a six-inch gift box that each partygoer received as a gift from Franklin. As for the big hat cake, one of Weinstock’s assistants flew to Detroit Friday with the hat cake in pieces, and assembled it at Seldom Blues.

Oh yeah, that settles it … Aretha Franklin‘s inauguration hat is the break-out star of 2009. While the celebration was for Aretha, the hat ended up stealing her thunder. In any event, and just a wee bit early, I think we should send out all of our lurve and well wishes to Dame Franklin on the occasion of her birth. Happy Birthday, Aretha!!

[Source via Source, thanks Anna]

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.

[Source]

One of the unsung stars from President Barack Obama‘s Inauguration this past Tuesday is gettin’ some love from the world of Fashion this week. Aretha Franklin, my Detroit homegirl, sang a powerful rendition of My Country Tis Of Thee just before Obama was sworn into office (the first time, not the second time) but it was her auspicious headwear that kinda stole the show. It turns out that Aretha went to milliner Luke Song, who bases his company in Detroit, MI, for a hat to wear to the inauguration and was provided with the flamboyant hat that had everyone talking (er, Twittering) as soon as she took center stage. Women’s Wear Daily reports on how Aretha met her hat and just who is Luke Song:

Aretha Franklin might have garnered lots of attention singing “My Country This of Thee” at the inauguration, but it wasn’t only for her voice. One question was on the minds of millions – what was she wearing on her head? Turns out a collaboration between the artist and Detroit-based milliner Luke Song. According to Song, Franklin came in to his Detroit showroom last week looking for a special hat for the big day. “She’s our regular customer and comes to us often,” Song said. “She actually had three to choose from for that day, but went with her second choice. It probably looked better on camera.” Franklin donned a heather gray wool piece that Song had hand-molded to give it some serious shape. The trim and ribbon were decorated with Swarovski crystals and would run in the regular collection for $179. For those who don’t get up to Detroit too often, Song wholesales under the label Mr. Song Millinery throughout New York, California and much of the South. “We’re big in Southern states but being in Detroit is good for us,” Song said. “There are a lot of big stars that come through to this town – gospel singers, lots of big-name church people who want to wear big hats. Some big names come through Detroit.”

As much as I like Justin Gaston‘s new choice in headwear, I really have to give props to Luke Song on this masterpiece. At first, I was a little WTF? about the hat but it has since grown on me. Aretha rocked it right (tho, President Obama looks pretty slick in it as well) and I’m very happy to know that Aretha chose to wear a Detroit designer to the Inauguration. Click HERE to check out Luke Song‘s official website to see the other wares available from his Detroit-based Millinery. Don’t be surprised if I dress up as Aretha Franklin for Halloween this year ;) After the jump, because it was such a stirring rendition, check out video of Aretha Franklin performing My Country Tis of Thee at this week’s Inauguration …