TMZ caught up with Chaka Khan at the airport as she prepares to depart for Detroit to perform at Aretha Franklin’s funeral. The 10-time Grammy-award winning artist will be amongst music’s biggest names to honor the Queen of Soul one final time Friday. (Aug. 31)
As she retrieved her bags from the car, Chaka revealed that despite having been a working musician for more than 30 years, she’s still nervous “as hell” to sing at Franklin’s funeral.
Chaka said she’ll sing “Going Up Yonder” performed originally by Walter Lee Hawkins during the services which will air on cable news. “I think it’s a positive, beautiful spin on this thing called life, or at least this part of life because death is a part of life.”
Following Sen. John McCain’s death on Aug. 25, several media outlets reported that President Trump and McCain’s former vice presidential running mate Sarah Palin are not invited to attend the services. TMZ queried Chaka Khan to see what her thoughts were on the Trump family attended Franklin’s funeral.
“If anybody would come, it probably be his wife,” Chaka said. “I don’t think he’d come, but it would be appropriate if they did come.”
CNN, MSNBC and Fox News will televise Aretha Franklin’s homegoing service.
READ MORE: Fantasia Has The Best Aretha Franklin Story.