THOUSANDS ARE EXPECTED to come and pay their respects to Aretha Louise Franklin, the ‘Queen of Soul’, as she lays in state this week. 

Source: Paul Sancya

For two days Aretha, who died almost two weeks ago, will lie in state at an African American Museum in Detroit, her home town. Her funeral is due to be held on Friday.   

The iconic singer and songwriter was a larger than life character, who was as instantly recognisable figure. It was said that she had 'style to match her soul'. 

She was revered for her flamboyant colours...

dramatic jewellery...

Source: Adam Scull

And of course, her luxurious furs.

Source: Sonia Moskowitz

And of course, even in death she is causing quite the style stir. 

She's being laid to rest in a gold coffin and wearing a pair of Wizard of OZ-style ruby-red stiletto high heels.  

Source: Paul Sancya

Fans were lining the streets of Aretha's home city to catch a glimpse of Aretha in her final finery, as well as mourn the loss of a woman who became an icon for the black and women's liberation movements.  

Hundreds have already lined up this morning to pay their respects to Aretha Franklin - @Local4News pic.twitter.com/4EuuIbUMde

— NBC News (@NBCNews) August 28, 2018

Some had been waiting for hours. 

People have been waiting outside of the Wright Museum since 3 am to see Aretha Franklin’s body. Doors just opened at 9 am.

Detroit definitely loved Aretha

— Philip Lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) August 28, 2018

Memorial cards were being handed out outside of the Museum, the same one where Civil Rights activist Rosa Parks lay in state in 2005.

Here’s the card being passed out at the Charles H Wright museum for #ArethaFranklin visitation. Perfect quote. #local4 pic.twitter.com/82FulYL8Fk

— Nick Monacelli (@nickmonacelli) August 28, 2018

The card read: 

We all require and want respect man or woman, black or white. It's our basic human right. 

I see all the Aretha Franklin mourners are paying their... Oh, what’s the word?...

— Rocky Mountain Mike (@RockyMntnMike) August 28, 2018

Fans were  in a joyous mood as they celebrated and honoured the life of an American legend.

A pink Cadillac pulls up and the crowd outside the Charles H. Wright Museum lined up for #ArethaFranklin’s public visitation burst into song. @freep pic.twitter.com/iOZfC7iDrh

— Kristen Shamus (@KristenShamus) August 28, 2018

Many in the queues were rewarded for their energy, as Aretha's niece turned up and handed out burgers, water and t-shirs to show the family's gratitude. 

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