17 seconds ago 2010-02-09T21:06:56-08:00
Access Hollywood
LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- The Smithsonian Museum wants Aretha Franklin 's Inauguration Day hat. The Queen of Soul's big-bowed headgear has been a hot property since the legendary singer belted "America the Beautiful" at Barack Obama's presidential inauguration on January 20, with the Los Angeles Times reporting that the hat's designer, Luke Song, has been overwhelmed with demand for the $179 item. (Aretha's custom-made version cost over $500.)
But while the Smithsonian wants the original, Aretha's not sure if she wants to give it up.
"I am considering it. It would be hard to part with my chapeau since it was such a crowning moment in history. 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," she said in a statement, according to New York Magazine.
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One piece of couture that will definitely be heading for the museum is First Lady Michelle Obama 's ball gown from the historic evening. According to the Washington Post, the Jason Wu-designed dress will be on display this summer, and they're interested in her Isabel Toledo ensemble from the ceremony, as well. The Smithsonian's collection currently includes 21 dresses from past First Ladies.
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Piggy BankAll you "Haters" stop "Hatin". Aretha is the "Queen'. So don't even Try it...... The First and the Last........ You only wish you had what she got........ "RESPECT".........report abuseposted June 9, 2009 1:09 AM PDT
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QTWhat's so funny is my dad's mom has a hat that's almost just like that, and she's from Detroit too.report abuseposted February 27, 2009 10:40 PM PST
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TaylorI guess they should put that dinosaur in a museum. It sure is ugly. hahareport abuseposted February 4, 2009 3:51 PM PST
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People are such sheep. Amazing that some would actually want to buy and wear that ugly hat. Aretha is famous for really awful clothes. I'm thankful she had a coat on. God knows what horror she had an underneath it. LOLreport abuseposted February 1, 2009 10:18 PM PST
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Pamela Gi feel sorry for the dozens of people sitting behind her. that hat obstructed their view.report abuseposted February 1, 2009 11:22 AM PST
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That picture looks like someone rolled a whale up in a carpet then started torturing it.report abuseposted February 1, 2009 6:32 AM PST
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KEEPSITREAL$500...thats a rip off...they sell hats anywhere for $90 bucks...my godmother has one.. SUGARPLUM..you have too much time on your hands looking under arms ..yuck!report abuseposted February 1, 2009 12:20 AM PST
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__A_YAHOO_USER__They be deevellopin a "Arethra Hat" to Cover her ASS. The drawings show it to be just a teensy larger than a Parachute.....report abuseposted January 31, 2009 11:35 PM PST
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LaylaWhile I think it is nice that the Smithsonian wants Aretha's hat, as she clearly indicated, it has a sentimental value to her. They should just settle for a replica. Hopefully, no time soon (as she is beloved by many, including myself), she can bequeath it to them later, in her will.report abuseposted January 31, 2009 11:15 PM PST
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theresayou all are haters !!!!!!!!!!the hat was beautiful!! and who would pay attention to underarm sag !!!!!! get a lifereport abuseposted January 31, 2009 11:08 PM PST
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