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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

Jaxsen on February 1st, 2009

The hat was fierce, and oh so appropriate. I knew too, the moment I saw it, that it was something special. You can only relate if you are familiar with hats, and the role they play in the African American Church. It was simply classy.

Jaxsen on February 1st, 2009

Yes, she should donate the hat to the Smithsonian. She can never wear the hat again.

debby keenan on February 1st, 2009

I think Aretha’s hat is gorgeous! But I don’t think it is a symbol of the inauguration, and therefore doesn’t belong in a museum. I hope she keeps it, wears it again and hands it down to members of her family. It would be more treasured by them!

AHP on February 1st, 2009

I would be a little bit worried that future generations would look at us as having a strange concept for hats…although the 19th century was a bit strange too,as was the 17th century. That hat looked very retro…and a bit cartoonish in my view.
Aretha is a great singer..but I’ve never been a fan of her dress style.

JDNNYC on February 1st, 2009

It isn’t just the story that the Smithsonian wants that tired hat which makes me weep for the state of my country, its also the people here who, for some obsessed reason believe even a singer’s hat is worthy of worshiping and not just Barack Obama.
This gives me further reason to consider relocating to Australia.

How sad America has become.

Inaugural Binky at The Daily Squeaker: Your PackRat News Source on February 1st, 2009

[...] Obama’s Inauguration. The hat has become a viral meme, both online and offline, so much so that the Smithsonian has requested that the Queen donate it to the [...]

California Slim on February 1st, 2009

That hat must be destroyed by fire!

M. Clay on February 1st, 2009

I’d like to see Aretha in the Smithsonian!! Her voice is gone.

vera harrison on February 1st, 2009

The stle an color look good on the queen.
She got my vote.

Lee on February 1st, 2009

Yes, Aretha, let it go. But, Smithy, pay her for it. Pay big. You’ll make a lot of money off that exhibit.

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