My Publicist Note Book

Full list of speakers, performers slated to appear... Franklin, who was the undisputed Queen of Soul, died Thursday morning at the age of 76. She had pancreatic cancer. Aretha Franklin funeral in Detroit on Aug. 31: What you need to know  Four days of events to honor Aretha Franklin will conclude on Friday, Aug. 31 with a private funeral service and celebration in Detroit.  Franklin died Aug. 16 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. At the time of her death, she was at home in Detroit surrounded by friends and family. The events include three days of public visitation, a tribute concert and a funeral service that is sure to draw a huge crowd. Thursday, Aug. 30: Additional visitation, a tribute concert Third visitation day:  The funeral home announced there will be an additional day of viewing Aug. 30 from noon to 4 p.m. at New Bethel Baptist Church.  Where:  8430 Linwood ...

At least one key sponsor for Serena Williams has expressed support for the tennis legend after officials of the French Open banned a black, skintight bodysuit that she wore during that tournament in late May. In a tweet, Nike Inc.  NKE,  -0.55%   offered this message to the winner of 23 grand slam tennis titles (three French Open championships), the most of any player in tennis’s Open era: “You can take the superhero out of her costume, but you can never take away her superpowers #justdoit” Serena Williams is basically a superhero, given that she played the French Open in May, her first tournament since giving birth to her daughter in September 2017. Williams did so in a black bodysuit designed especially for her by Nike.  Although it looked great—and Williams is known for her on-the-court style—it had a health-related purpose: It was reportedly engineered to prevent blood clots from forming while she competed. On Friday, French Tennis Federatio...

Madonna says she meant no d-i-s-r-e-s-p-e-c-t when she shared a story about her connection to the late Aretha Franklin during the MTV's Video Music Awards on Monday night. Madonna said she was asked to present the award for video of the year at the VMAs and told to "share any anecdotes I had in my career connected to Aretha Franklin." But she did "not intend to do a tribute to her," according to a post the singer shared on Instagram. "I shared a part of my journey and thanked Aretha for inspiring me along the way. I did not intend to do a tribute to her!" Madonna wrote. "That would be impossible in 2 minutes with all the noise and tinsel of an award show. I could never do her justice in this context or environment." Play Video Franklin died last week after a battle with pancreatic cancer. When Madonna walked on stage to present, an image of Franklin loomed over her, leading...