The ivory, two-door 1940 Cadillac LaSalle also transported the body of Franklin's beloved father, the legendary pastor and civil rights figure the Rev. C.L. Franklin, decades ago."Ironically around this time," funeral director O'Neil Swanson II told CNN. "He died in July 1984."Aretha Franklin died August 16 of pancreatic cancer. The "Queen of Soul" was 76.This week, Franklin's home city of Detroit has transformed into a massive tribute to the beloved singer. The vehicle that carried Franklin's body Tuesday also transported civil rights icon Rosa Parks in 2005 and Temptations singer David Ruffin in 1991. Swanson, whose family has been in the funeral services business for 60 years, said they were "honored to be able to help," as they did when Franklin lost her dad.Crowds gathered to view the singer lying in repose inside the museum.Fans gather to view Aretha Franklin's body in DetroitThe hearse arrived early Tuesday. A group of pallbearers wearing dark suits and white gloves escorted the casket inside the museum.The sight sparked a great deal of emotion. "I was so stunned when we took the body out of the hearse; people all over the crowd were tearful and saying, 'I love you Aretha, "' Swanson said. "They really loved her, and she loved Detroit."He said Franklin is resting in a 24-karat, gold-plated casket that's the top of the line. "God didn't make a better singer. and there isn't a better casket," Swanson said. "She deserves the very best."
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