fame. aretha continued to amass grammy milestones. in 1991, aretha received the recording academy'snauguration of bill clinton, and the following year she received both a grammy and lifetime achievement award. in 2003, she released her final studio album "so damn happy." in 2008, she received her 18th grammy award for "never going to break my faith." in 2009, she performed "my country 'tis of thee" at the historic inauguration of president barack obama. over the course of her career, franklin has supported a large number of charities and advocacy organizations, including the naacp, special olympics, feeding america, the rain forest foundation, and the barbara davis center for childhood diabetes. aretha's artistry has also earned her a number of academic distinctions. among them are honorary degrees from both harvard university and new york university. aretha transitioned this life on thursday, august 16th, 2018, in detroit, michigan, surrounded by her friends and family. those who are commending her loving spirit into the assurance of her eternal rest are her loved ones who preceded