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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

Big Man on January 31st, 2009

First of all Ree does not have any daughters. Why leave the famous hat to her family so they can fight over it when she is gone. Look at the King children how they are fighting each other over their Mother’s things. I bet Martin and Coretta are covering their faces in their graves.

Brian on January 31st, 2009

I say let her keep it. After all, it is hers. Hopefully she will will it to the Smithsonian. It would be a GREAT ADDITION to a monumental, history making exhibit.

joe on January 31st, 2009

The only thing worse then that hat was her rendition of the song that she sang. Both should be forgotten as soon as possible

Steve on January 31st, 2009

I think its a good idea! In fact while we are at it…Lets ask for her shoes, are dress, coat, and Panties/Thong!

Joni Reynolds on January 31st, 2009

Aretha’s hat deserves to be in the Smithsonian. her hat was an homage to the black church going woman. The hat is a rarity to the majority but go to a black church on any given Sunday and your will see rendetions of the hat. I wrote a blog entry on the hat: http://www.ebonymompolitics.wordpress.com

Bill Kennedy on January 31st, 2009

The FACT that Ms. Franklin actually wore the hat on that day will never be changed. She should donate the hat to the Smithsonian and let the designer build her another one just like it. It’s a hat for goodness sake not a crown of gems.

Billy Singleton on January 31st, 2009

Yes, by all means…that hat belongs in the Smithsonian! (sure does not belong on anyone’s head)

Pat on January 31st, 2009

I’ve seen some very silly comments from a few people who think this hat is “ugly”, but those people forget that Arethra is an entertainer, an elegant woman of the “old school”, and has more talent in her little finger than most of us put together. I understand her wanting to keep the hat, but it’s iconic, and should eventually be shared with the world. Go Arethra, and thank you for being you!!!

Woo Hoo on January 31st, 2009

Boom it is obvious that they want that tacky hat to prevent her from ever wearing it again.

Brandon Wolf on January 31st, 2009

YES! That hat is a national treasure. The sleeper hit of the Obama Inauguration.

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