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Michigan House backs highway designation for Aretha Franklin

Mar 19, 2019 | 1:44 PM

LANSING, Mich. — In a sign of R-E-S-P-E-C-T, the Michigan Legislature is expected to honour the late Queen of Soul with a highway designation.

The Michigan House voted 101-6 on Tuesday to designate a portion of M-10 in Detroit as the “Aretha L. Franklin Memorial Highway.” Franklin died in Detroit last year after battling pancreatic cancer.

The legislation will next go to the state Senate.

Supporters say dedicating a portion of the highway is an appropriate way to honour the musical and cultural icon, who grew up in Detroit and learned the gospel fundamentals at New Bethel Baptist Church.