The Smithsonian Institution wants to put Aretha Franklin’s big-bowed inauguration hat in an exhibit that will highlight Barack Obama’s place in history as the first African-American president.
The dove-gray, wool chapeau, dominated by a massive Swarovski rhinestone-bordered bow, would be displayed alongside other inaugural items, including first lady Michelle Obama’s asymmetrical ball gown from the historic evening . . .
Aretha is still uncertain whether or not she’ll donate the hat. “I am considering it. It would be hard to part with my chapeau since it was such a crowning moment in history. I would like to smile every time I look back at it and remember what a great moment it was in American and African-American history. Ten cheers for President Obama,” she said in a statement, according to New York magazine.
And ten orders of wings, fried hard please. What are some celebrity items that you would like to see make a home at The Smithsonian? I vote for Verdine White’s silk pillow case!