Obamas don't attend Aretha Franklin's funeral, but call her 'one of a kind'

Barack and Michelle Obama did not attend the Friday funeral of Aretha Franklin in Detroit, but called her "one of a kind" in a statement read by the Rev. Al Sharpton. “From a young age, Aretha Franklin rocked the world of anyone who had the pleasure of hearing her voice," the former president and first lady said in a message delivered on stage at Greater Grace Temple. "Whether bringing people together through thrilling intersections of genres or advancing important causes through the power of song, Aretha’s work reflected the very best of the American story. In all of its hope and heart, its boldness and its unmistakable beauty. Other political figures expected to speak at the Friday service include former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, Gov. Rick Snyder, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, U.S. Rep. Brenda Lawrence of Southfield, Detroit City Council President Brenda Jones, and the Revs. Jesse Jackson and Sharpton.