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The Smithsonian Institution Requests Aretha Franklin’s Inaugural Hat

01/30/2009 at 04:09 PM ET

Jason Reed/Reuters/Landov

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. Tell us: Would you like to see Aretha’s hat in the Smithsonian?

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Showing 55 comments

dottie on January 31st, 2009

NO! It is by far the ugliest hat I have ever seen!

Alice C. Jones on January 31st, 2009

Yes I think Aretha’s hat should become a part of our saved history.

Karen Woods on January 31st, 2009

I attended a party celebrating the Inaugaration of our 44th President. When Aretha came on the screen, the room went wild!!!!!!! Shouts saying ‘YOU GO GIRL!’ ‘GO ON ARETHA’ ‘YOU GO SISTA GAL!’.

Truly the Queen of Soul’s hat has a place in the Smithsonian.

MD on January 31st, 2009

Personally I think it is one of the ugliest hats I’ve ever seen but historically yes, it definately belongs in the Smithsoniun.

Lisa on January 31st, 2009

That hat definitely needs to be in the Smithsonian. The hat has been all the buzz in the community and it would be great to place it in the museum for such an historical event.

Ben on January 31st, 2009

“I am considering it. It would be hard to part with my chapeau since it was such a crowning moment in history.” Seems like she is answering her own question. Put it in a museum where everyone can enjoy it.

Butch on January 31st, 2009

I love Aretha. She IS the queen of soul, and I’ve listened to her since I was a child. BUT I was very disappointed in her rendition of “My Country, T’is of Thee;” and that hat was hideous — it made her look like the Energizer Bunny moaning and wailing on stage that day. The designer of the hat should make Aretha another one, and she could give the original to the Smithsonian (although for the life of me, I can’t understand why anyone would want it).

Will on January 31st, 2009

No! Aretha’s Hat is beautiful, but she shouldn’t be railroaded. I think she should keep it.

Diane on January 31st, 2009

Ms. Franklin should be honored to have had the opportunity to be part of the ceremony, and put the people’s desire to share in that experience above her own personal desire to look at her hat and “remember what a great moment it was.”

Mike on January 31st, 2009

Aretha looked ridiculous in the hat … the moment wasn’t about her, but it was about the inauguration of President Obama. While it was significant that Obama is the first African AMerican elected, Franklin’s presence or lack thereof is irrelevant. Get over yourself Aretha!

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