Aretha Franklin made her feelings on President Donald Trump crystal clear behind closed doors.
The Respect singer, who died on Thursday after a battle with pancreatic cancer, was reportedly invited to perform at Trumps inauguration ceremony in January 2016 but declined the offer as she didnt agree with his political agenda.
According to the Daily Beast, Aretha told friends privately that no amount of money could have persuaded her to perform at the inauguration.
Another source told the website that Aretha despised everything Trump stood for and placed her support in his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, during the presidential race.
Weeks before Trump was sworn into the White House, The Hill asked Aretha if she would provide the soundtrack, to which she replied: Thats a good question. Thats a very good question. Well see.
Trump, 71, and Aretha, who was 76 at the time of her death, did have a friendship before his political ambition.
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The Queen of Soul performed at several of his venues over the years, including the opening of Trump International Hotel & Tower in 1997. Aretha also performed a private concert near the iconic New York City hotel shortly after.
In 2012, Trump tweeted a birthday tribute to the revered singer, writing: Happy Birthday to my legendary friend Aretha Franklin.
More: Donald Trump
Aretha never publicly denounced Trump although she is known to have been a staunch democrat, heavily supporting former US President Barack Obama. Unlike Trumps, the Say A Little Prayer hitmaker did perform at Obamas inauguration in January 2009 after he was elected.
Reacting to Arethas death, Trump tweeted: The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, is dead. She was a great woman, with a wonderful gift from God, her voice. She will be missed!
Aretha is set to be laid to rest on 31 August in Detroit.
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