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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

Junebird on February 1st, 2009

Be consistent. Other singers, poets and musicians have taken part in past inaugurations. Are any of their clothing, notes or instruments in the Smithsonian? If the answer is yes, then Aretha’s hat has a place. If not, then leave it out.

juxx20 on February 1st, 2009

luv here

anupama on February 2nd, 2009

wonderful hat, tasteful and absolutely appropriate for the occasion…

anupama on February 2nd, 2009

fabulous hat – and totally appropriate

Edna Robinson on February 2nd, 2009

Aretha Franklin’s hat was gorgeous. I think she looked great. I am not sure I understand all the fuss…I got news for all the people who have never set foot in a black(African-American) church on a Sunday. A hat, a really sharp hat, is what “Black Women” of a certain age wears. I think the Smithsonian’s committee, got it right. The “hat” is a symbol of all that was good on that day. So…how about a little “Respect”…”REE REE” (Aretha) is a symbol of “Fine,Black Women” all over America.

Get Ready America for a real “culture shock” for the next 8 yrs of the Obama presidency. Aretha was just keeping it real.

Linda on February 2nd, 2009

Ab-so-freakin’-lootly! Aretha was workin’ that hat.

Leslie on February 2nd, 2009

Aretha was wearing that hat. Let the truth be told 11:00 a.m. on Sunday Mornings across the USA on route to a black baptist church; many of black women be sportin a hat in some form or fashion like that. Sisters of the church should know and love that hat. Her voice was great, let someone try and sang in that cold; check with Clive Davis – he knows the “Queen” she was working that voice in the cold.

Patricia on February 2nd, 2009

Retha, part with the hat. I have to say, as I stood in the cold with the crowd in Washing and you appear’d on the screen in that hat, I thought OMG, but it’s the queen of soul so I should have expected it. I bearly heard you sing as I was stuned by that “Hat”. I didn’t care for the hat that much, thought it was bodacious, but then again, we’re talking about Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul. Such regal wear should be shared with the American People.

Debbe on February 2nd, 2009

To those who say she wasn’t THE ONE sworn in as President…understand who Aretha is, American Royalty…THE QUEEN OF SOUL, USA and it’s only right that we show a little RESPECT of our inaugural history by insuring that her HAT has its place at the Smithsonian.

Eddiesteen Burno on February 4th, 2009

The hat was fantastic and it should be put in the Smithsonian. Give her a chance to memorize the day she wore it at the most important day of history.

I love Aretha

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