Celebrity Death

Smokey Robinson was a lifelong friend of Aretha's, with way too many memories to isolate just one.

We got the legendary singer/songwriter at LAX Thursday, where he was leaving for Detroit to attend the Queen's funeral.

Smokey knew Aretha since he was 8, and he reminisces about the good times they had as kids, when life was very, very different from the way it is today.

The man in charge of Aretha Franklin's funeral, Bishop Charles H. Ellis III, wants her fans around the world to know one thing -- get ready for church.

The pastor told us he's well aware he'll have a star-studded congregation during Friday's funeral, including Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, Whoopi Goldberg, and President Clinton ... to name just a few. But he says the focus still has to be squarely on the Queen of Soul.

Bishop Ellis plans to celebrate her life in a respectful, godly manner. After all, she grew up musically and spiritually in her father's Baptist church -- and while superstar singers will perform during the service, Ellis says it's not going to be a concert.

He gave us a preview of his sermon, and the pressure that comes with overseeing an icon's funeral.

As we first reported, Jennifer Hudson will sing "Amazing Grace" as part of Friday's star-studded service at Greater Grace Temple in Detroit.

It starts at 10 AM ET, and we'll be streaming it live on TMZ.

John McCain is finally getting his due respect from President Trump -- his body is being flown to Washington D.C. on an aircraft that had to be approved by POTUS.

The late Arizona senator's casket was loaded onto one of the jets known as Air Force 2 -- which is often designated for the VP or First Lady's travel. As you know, 45 will not be attending McCain's service in D.C. ... reportedly because McCain wanted it that way.

Still, Trump announced earlier this week he had greenlit military transport for McCain, saying, "At the request of the McCain family, I have also authorized military transportation of Senator McCain’s remains from Arizona to Washington, D.C., military pallbearers and band support, and a horse and caisson transport during the service at the United States Naval Academy."

Prior to the statement, Trump was being incredibly stubborn on publicly speaking about McCain's passing ... refusing to answer questions about the Senator, and even briefly returning the White House flag to full-staff. It was eventually lowered back to half-staff.

There was no love lost between Trump and McCain. Then-candidate Trump mocked McCain's military service, saying he was not a war hero because he'd been captured in Vietnam.

A memorial service was held for McCain Thursday in Arizona, where a lot of people spoke in remembrance of the political maverick ... including a teary-eyed Joe Biden. McCain will lie in state at the Capitol Rotunda Friday before another memorial service Saturday.

Joe Biden got choked up remembering his friend and "brother" John McCain as friends, family and admirers gathered to celebrate his life at a memorial service Thursday.

Biden took the floor at North Phoenix Baptist Church and spoke of McCain's honesty, determination and dedication. He even referred to McCain as his brother ... mentioning a lot of "family fights." Biden also served as a pallbearer for the service.

The late senator's family and friends -- along with local and tribal officials as well as civic leaders from across the state -- attended ... and 1,000 seats were made available to the public.

After the motorcade arrived, the Arizona National Guard retrieved the casket and placed it in front of the church.

Later Thursday, McCain's casket will be transported to D.C. where family, friends, colleagues and staff will pour into the U.S. Capitol Rotunda for a private ceremony honoring McCain's life. When the formal ceremony ends, the public will have a chance to also pay their respects. Doors to the public open at 2 PM ET and are slated to stay open until 8 PM ET.

McCain's National Memorial Service will be held Saturday at 10 AM ET at the Washington National Cathedral. Former presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush -- both former political rivals of McCain -- are set to deliver eulogies at his request.

Actor Warren Beatty, former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and former Secretary of Defense William Cohen were also pallbearers.

President Trump will not attend McCain's funeral after being made persona non grata, and McCain's former running mate in 2008, Sarah Palin, has also reportedly not been invited.

Since his death, heartfelt tributes from celebrities and fellow politicians have poured in for McCain ... including from Sen. Lindsey Graham, who told us he vows to do better to honor his friend.

There's also been a push to rename the Russell Senate Office Building the McCain Senate Office Building, spearheaded by Sen. Chuck Schumer.

On Wednesday morning, the Arizona Army National Guard carried McCain's casket into the AZ State Capitol Museum rotunda for a private ceremony for family and colleagues ... including remarks by Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey.

McCain's wife, Cindy, and daughter, Meghan, were both very emotional at the sight of his casket.

The late Senator was the third person to lie in the rotunda in the last 40 years ... Arizona state Senator Marilyn Jarrett and Olympic gold medalist Jesse Owens were the others.

2:05 PM PT -- According to witness reports, the Queen of Soul has changed outfits yet again for day 3 of her memorial tour. Today, day 3 has her ensconced in a rose-gold custom knit suit with pink beaded lace.

Day 1 showed Aretha in a tea-length red dress made of lace, with matching leather high heels. Day 2 she was reportedly dressed in a powder blue dress and matching shoes.

Aretha Franklin's casket is going on display at an entirely new location -- which has more of a personal connection than before -- ahead of what's set to be an epic memorial concert.

The Queen of Soul was moved to her late father's former house of worship -- where it all started for Aretha -- at the New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit, as she's set to lie in repose for more public viewing before a star-studded lineup takes the stage in her honor tonight.

As you can see, lines were still forming around the block to catch a glimpse of Aretha and say final goodbyes to the music icon. We imagine it'll be an open-casket viewing, just like it was at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.

As we reported ... 22 acts are set to perform later Thursday in a memorial concert for Aretha, where folks like the Four Tops, Johnny Gill, Ron Isley and others are on the bill. Another concert's taking place Friday at her funeral, with acts like Ariana Grande and Stevie Wonder.

Aretha died earlier this month from pancreatic cancer. She was 76.

Aretha Franklin's service will include both songs of her own and religious hymns -- with Jennifer Hudson set to perform "Amazing Grace" -- TMZ has learned.

We've obtained the production sheet for some of Thursday and Friday's services that lists several of the musical acts and the songs they'll perform.

Jennifer Hudson -- "Amazing Grace"

Faith Hill -- "What A Friend We Have In Jesus"

Ariana Grande -- "Natural Woman"

Stevie Wonder -- "The Lord's Prayer"

Fantasia Barrino -- "Precious Lord"

Hudson's performance has been highly anticipated since she'll play Aretha in an upcoming biopic, and this is the first time we've seen her in possible Aretha mode. Biopic producer Harvey Mason Jr. told us Aretha was upbeat and excited about the project just a week before her death.

Ceremonies for Aretha kicked off Tuesday at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History with thousands showing up for her public viewing. The Queen of Soul arrived in a golden casket.

Thursday's event, "A People's Tribute to the Queen," at Chene Park will feature at least 22 musical acts including -- Four Tops, Johnny Gill, Ron Isley -- the event starts at 6 PM ET and will be live streamed here on our website.

Friday's funeral -- featuring Hudson and others -- will be held at Greater Grace Temple in Detroit and will start at 10 AM ET. We will also be live streaming that on TMZ.com.

AJ McClean will never forget the night the Backstreet Boys got to share the stage with Aretha Franklin ... as her backup singers.

We got AJ Wednesday at Malibu Country Mart, and he couldn't stop singing his R-E-S-P-E-C-T for the Queen of Soul. He shared an awesome story from Backstreet's 2001 performance with Aretha and Stevie Wonder.

Just wait until you hear AJ recall his adventure getting Stevie through an obstacle course and out onstage!!!

AJ says he grew up listening to Aretha, and she had a profound influence on the Backstreet Boys and ALL genres of music. AJ was a huge fan of "The Blues Brothers" and loved Aretha's cameo in it.

He hints at possible tributes to Aretha at future Backstreet Boys' performances ... and also shares his thoughts on the perfect songs for the star-studded lineup performing Friday at Aretha's funeral.

As we reported, Stevie, Ariana Grande, Chaka Khan, Jennifer Hudson and many others will be onstage for the service, and you can see the whole thing here -- TMZ will be streaming it live.

Danny Glover says he's got the perfect tune to sing at Aretha Franklin's funeral -- it's a gospel classic, but it doesn't appear to be one the Queen of Soul covered herself.

We got the "Lethal Weapon" star Wednesday at The Palm in Bev Hills and asked what should be performed Friday by the star-studded lineup -- which will feature Ariana Grande, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, Jennifer Hudson, Fantasia, Faith Hill and others.

Danny's hoping to hear someone belt out a tune which served as both the lead single and title of the 1983 album "Peace Be Still" ... by gospel singer Vanessa Bell Armstrong.

It's been covered by lots of people but it doesn't appear Aretha ever recorded it for an album -- but some critics have described Vanessa's performance of it as Aretha-esque.

We're guessing the Queen's performed it live at some point in her illustrious career, especially because she got her start in gospel.

Speaking of that body of work, Danny says he's been playing Aretha radio nonstop since her death a couple weeks ago. Can't blame him -- some of the best music ever from the greatest voice.

Sen. Lindsey Graham can't hide his pain over losing John McCain, but says there can be a silver lining ... if politicians, including himself, lead more like his friend did.

Senator Graham was clearly emotional about Sen. McCain's death when we saw him Wednesday at Reagan National. He described himself as McCain's wingman, and said America had lost its "voice of reason."

He added, "I gotta up my game" ... insinuating it was time for elected officials to govern more like the AZ Senator did -- fighting passionately, while respecting the other side.

As for the guy who repeatedly disrespected McCain -- President Trump -- Graham said the administration will be represented at the memorial services ... even if POTUS himself won't be there.

This is wild! Chaka Khan -- a 10-time Grammy winner and as well-seasoned a performer as anyone in the biz -- says she's got butterflies about performing at Aretha Franklin's funeral.

We got the iconic funk singer Wednesday as she was heading off to Detroit from LAX to get ready for the Queen of Soul's Friday's funeral service -- which will include performances from Stevie Wonder, Jennifer Hudson, Faith Hill, Ariana Grande and Chaka herself.

Our camera guy asked if she's nervous to get onstage to honor Aretha, and surprisingly ... she says absolutely! That's saying a lot for someone who's been rocking stages since at least the '70s, if not well before that. Still, even for Chaka ... delivering for Aretha's got her jittery.

She even tells us what song she's going to sing -- and finishes by offering an unofficial invite to the First Family ... should they be inclined to attend.

John McCain's casket has arrived at the Arizona State Capitol where family, friends and the public are paying their final respects to the late Senator.

The Arizona Army National Guard carried McCain's casket into the Capitol Museum rotunda Wednesday morning for a private ceremony for family and colleagues ... including remarks by Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey.

During the ceremony, McCain's family was front and center honoring the somber occasion. McCain's wife, Cindy, and daughter, Meghan, were both very emotional at the sight of the casket.

The viewing will open to the public in the afternoon. McCain is the third person to lie in the rotunda in the last 40 years ... State Senator Marilyn Jarrett and Olympic gold medalist Jesse Owens were the others.

There will be a procession Thursday morning that will weave through Phoenix before making its way to a memorial service at North Phoenix Baptist Church.

McCain died shortly after his decision to stop medical treatment after a year-long battle with brain cancer.

There's still mystery surrounding the death of Bethenny Frankel's boyfriend, Dennis Shields, because an autopsy was NOT performed.

The Chief Medical Examiner of NYC says there was a religious objection to the autopsy, so it was not performed -- and the cause and manner of death has been ruled undetermined.

We're told in New York, a religious objection can prevent an autopsy as long as police don't suspect a crime had been committed.

TMZ broke the story ... Dennis was found dead earlier this month in Trump Tower from an apparent oxycodone OD. Dennis took an unknown quantity of oxycodone Rx pills, law enforcement sources say, and the following morning he asked his housekeeper to fetch Narcan, which blocks the effects of an opioid overdose.

It's unknown when Dennis lost consciousness, but at some point the maid called 911. As we reported, the maid administered the Narcan but Dennis remained unresponsive. EMTs rushed to Trump Tower but it was too late.

Bethenny was extremely emotional during a final goodbye to Dennis. He was buried Aug. 13.

Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow has one busy -- and bittersweet -- weekend ahead of her.

Debbie plans to attend services for Aretha Franklin in Detroit AND John McCain in Washington D.C. -- all in about 48 hours.

The Senator tells us it's going to be an incredible few days paying tribute to 2 extremely influential and powerful people.

She's not the only politician pulling double duty ... former President Clinton is also jetting to Michigan and the Capitol to pay respects.

The Queen of Soul has a star-studded tribute concert Thursday ahead of her Friday funeral.

McCain has memorial and funeral services in D.C. starting Friday and will be laid to rest on Sunday at the U.S. Naval Academy Cemetery in Annapolis, Maryland.

Aretha Franklin's casket just arrived for a public viewing in Detroit -- where the Queen of Soul will lie in state for a couple of days -- and massive lines are already starting to form.

Crowds swarmed and lines stretched around the block of the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History Tuesday morning to catch a glimpse of Aretha and pay last respects to the legendary singer. Her body was on display in an open casket ... surrounded by a beautiful floral arrangement.

We broke the story ... there is going to be a plethora of big music acts performing at Aretha's memorial Thursday, including names like the Four Tops, Ron Isley and many, many others.

This is a copy of the program for her funeral service Friday at Greater Grace Temple ... where Stevie Wonder and Jennifer Hudson, among many others, will perform.

John McCain took a parting shot before he died at Donald Trump, saying, "We weaken our greatness when we confuse our patriotism with tribal rivalries that have sown resentment and hatred and violence in all corners of the globe. We weaken it when we hide behind walls, rather than tear them down ..."

McCain's final words were called a "farewell statement" from the Senator. As we reported, McCain has made Donald Trump persona non grata at his funeral, and the President has been stingy to say the least in any praise for the war hero who was a guiding light in the Senate ... especially on global relations.

McCain wrote, "We are three-hundred-and-twenty-five million opinionated, vociferous individuals. We argue and compete and sometimes even vilify each other in our raucous public debates. But we have always had so much more in common with each other than in disagreement. If only we remember that and give each other the benefit of the presumption that we all love our country we will get through these challenging times."

He ends with this -- again seemingly about the troubles that emanate from the top -- "Do not despair of our present difficulties but believe always in the promise and greatness of America ... Fairwell, fellow Americans, God bless you, and God bless America.

Vinnie Paul -- Pantera's drummer and one of the original founders of the band -- died from a bad heart ... TMZ has learned.

The Clark County Coroner tells TMZ that Vinnie died of dilated cardiomyopathy -- an enlarged heart -- as well as severe coronary artery disease -- a heart condition. We're told he died of natural causes.

As we reported ... Vinnie died in his sleep this past June at his Las Vegas home. His body was going to be buried in Texas next to his mom and his late brother, "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott -- who was tragically murdered on stage during a show.

Like we told you ... Vinnie was laid to rest in a custom KISS casket, identical to the one his brother was buried in. Gene Simmons and co. provided the casket as a gift to Vinnie's family. He was buried in some of his own clothes -- including his hat, shoes and flannel ... among other items.

A free public memorial concert was also held for him in Dallas at 3:33 PM to recognize his brother, Darrell. Pantera was a huge heavy metal band in the '90s -- having been nominated for Grammys in 1995 and 2001. Their album, "Far Beyond Driven," hit #1 in 1994.