RIP

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.

Janet Jackson clearly remembers when she fell in love with Michael Jackson's "Remember the Time" music video -- TMZ got a peek at a vid featuring the singer to celebrate MJ on his 60th birthday.

Janet teamed up with Kwaylon Rogers -- aka @BlameItOnKway to his 3.6 million IG followers -- to shoot this 1-minute, 11-second clip. Janet plays the queen passing judgment on dancers ... just like Iman did in MJ's 1992 video.

The project came about after Kway and Janet met at the Billboard Awards earlier this year. They hit it off and, soon after, Kway pitched the idea of reimagining Michael's hit video and releasing it Wednesday ... the day he would've turned 60.

Sources close to Kway tell us the group rehearsed -- with Diamond Batiste behind the camera -- for a day and shot the video the next day to Janet's liking. As you should know, MJ's "Remember the Time" video -- costarring Eddie Murphy and Magic Johnson -- was hailed as a masterpiece.

Kway and King Bach play the dancers desperate for Janet's approval in her tip of the hat to Michael -- which also features her new song, "Made for Now."

It's a great tribute on a milestone day for MJ's family, friends and fans.

TMZ broke the story ... Michael died in June 2009 after going into cardiac arrest at his Holmby Hills home. Paramedics on scene and staffers at UCLA Medical Center were unable to resuscitate him.

Michael's doctor, Conrad Murray, was ultimately found guilty of involuntary manslaughter. Murray still believes he did not play a significant role in Michael's homicide.

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.

Ex-MLB star Luis Gonzalez says the moment he was asked to be a pallbearer for John McCain was one of the highest honors of his life ... but admits it was weird, since McCain was still alive at the time.

Gonzalez will be one of the 6 men selected to carry McCain's casket at his funeral on Thursday -- and tells TMZ Sports the late Arizona senator had been planning out the event for months.

"I've known for a while," Gonzales tells us ... "[McCain's team] had contacted me a while back, a few months back to ask if I'd be willing to be a pallbearer."

"First of all, it's an honor. And secondly, he was still living at the time so it was a strange request."

Gonzo and McCain have been friends since the days Luis played for the Arizona Diamondbacks -- they would text, talk on the phone and attend events together.

Luis says he was always impressed with McCain's knowledge and enthusiasm for sports -- noting he never wanted to sit in VIP suites in stadiums, he always loved hanging with the people in the bleachers.

"He was a great person who cared about other people."

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.

Ivanka Trump just broke in a big way from her father, calling John McCain a "true hero," adding that he served with distinction for more than six decades.

Donald Trump was just shamed into acknowledging John McCain was an honorable American, belatedly saying, "Despite our differences on policy and politics, I respect Senator John McCain's service to our country and, in his honor, have signed a proclamation to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff until the day of his interment."

BTW, the flag was raised after a day at half-staff but Trump clearly bowed to the outrage and pressure.

More John McCain disrespect from Donald Trump -- who refused to even acknowledge the late senator in front of reporters Monday at the White House.

POTUS held a meeting in the Oval Office -- sitting with Melania -- when ABC News reporter Jonathan Karl began asking question after question about McCain.

Despite the fact he was in spitting distance from the President, Trump ignored Karl and stared blankly at the pool of photographers.

Karl followed up with Trump in the White House Cabinet Room -- while Trump was sitting next to Vice President Mike Pence -- but still, no acknowledgment from 45 when it came to McCain.

Further insult from the administration came early Monday morning as the White House flag was returned to full-staff after it had been at half-staff to honor Sen. McCain. Interestingly, it's now been lowered again.

Trump has been extremely critical of McCain for years -- claiming he should not be hailed as a hero because he was captured in battle during the Vietnam war.

Trump famously said he likes people who did NOT get captured.

McCain -- who passed away on Saturday after battling brain cancer -- took a thinly-veiled shot at Trump (and his walls) in his farewell letter ... 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 was 81.

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.

Sarah Huckabee Sanders says it's unclear if Donald Trump will attend Senator John McCain's funeral -- but here's what we're hearing ... don't hold your breath.

We got the Press Sec. leaving Reagan National Sunday and asked for some thoughts on the late Arizona senator, who died Saturday from brain cancer. SHB had kind words for McCain, who she calls a great loss for the country, but wouldn't bite on the funeral question.

Specifically ... will DT be in attendance? It almost seems impossible. Senator McCain reportedly said he did not want Trump at his funeral. If Trump tries, he would probably be turned away. Sarah says she'll keep us posted, but it sounds like code for "hell no." Trump didn't even go to Barbara Bush's funeral, so he'll likely (most definitely) pass on McCain.

Meanwhile, ex-Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama are rumored to be offering eulogies at McCain's funeral in D.C. He will reportedly lie in state at two different locations -- the Capitol Rotunda and the Arizona Capitol -- ahead of his funeral in Washington's National Cathedral before being buried at the U.S. Naval Academy in Maryland.

Pence is also expected to attend ... and, apparently, Sarah herself will show face.

Neil Simon, one of the most prolific playwrights in American history, has died ... TMZ has learned.

Sources tell TMZ, Simon died Sunday morning at 1 AM ET after being on life support. We're told he had a failing kidney and also Alzheimer's and dementia. A rep said Simon died as a result of complications from pneumonia.

Simon had a kidney transplant in 2004 and the donor was his longtime friend and publicist Bill Evans.

Simon's first big hit was "Come Blow Your Horn" in 1961, followed by "Barefoot in the Park" in 1963, which was a seismic hit. He won Tony Awards for "The Odd Couple," "Biloxi Blues" and "Lost in Yonkers."

"The Odd Couple" catapulted Simon to national celebrity. He had many other successes, including "Promises, Promises," and "The Sunshine Boys."

All in all, Simon wrote more than 30 plays. He snagged 17 Tony noms, and won 3. During one season, Simon had 4 plays running on Broadway simultaneously.

And, Simon won a Pulitzer Prize in 1991 for "Lost in Yonkers." He was also a Kennedy Center honoree in 1995 and won the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2006.

He was the first playwright to have a Broadway theater named after him.

Before becoming a Broadway icon, Simon wrote for television, including "Your Show of Shows" with Sid Caesar and "The Phil Silvers Show."

Simon had a turbulent childhood, growing up in the Great Depression and enduring his parent's unstable marriage. They were poor, and it took both a financial and an emotional toll on the family. What's interesting ... Simon said he used his escape when he was a child -- the escape being movies -- as an inspiration for his writing as an adult.

Simon was married to dancer Joan Baim, who died 20 years into the marriage from cancer. He then married Marsha Mason, whom he divorced. He was then married to Diane Lander not once but twice. At the time of his death he was married to actress Elaine Joyce, whom he married in 1999. He's survived by 3 children.

We're told there will be a memorial service Thursday in New York City.

Love and heartfelt condolences from family, friends, fellow politicians and celebrities are pouring in for John McCain ... who died Saturday afternoon at age 81 after a year-long battle with brain cancer.

John's wife, Cindy, says ... "My heart is broken. I am so lucky to have lived the adventure of loving this incredible man for 38 years. He passed the way he lived, on his own terms, surrounded by the people he loved, in the the place he loved best."

McCain's daugther, Meghan, shared an emotional message captioned "I love you forever."

And the tributes go on, from Barack Obama to George W. Bush and many, many more.

John McCain -- a former Vietnam prisoner of war, 6-term U.S. Senator from Arizona and 2008 GOP Presidential nominee who battled an aggressive form of brain cancer in the latter part of his storied career -- has died ... TMZ has learned.

According to a statement from McCain's office, he died Saturday at 4:28 PM, adding ... "With the Senator when he passed were his wife Cindy and their family. At his death, he had served the United States of America faithfully for sixty years.”

The news comes not long after McCain made the decision to stop medical treatment after a year-long battle with brain cancer. As we reported ... McCain's family said age was a factor in John's decision to cease treatment. Fact is ... he had surpassed expectations for survival.

The decorated politician's family said they are "immensely grateful for the support and kindness of all his caregivers over the last year, and for the continuing outpouring of concern and affection from John's many friends and associates, and the many thousands of people who are keeping him in their prayers."

McCain was diagnosed with glioblastoma back in July 2017 ... the same type of cancer that took the life of Senator Ted Kennedy back in 2009. McCain took some time off to fight the disease but continued chairing the influential Senate Armed Services Committee.

Most notably, he returned just a week after his brain cancer diagnosis to cast the deciding vote that killed President Trump's attempt to repeal Obamacare. The vote came as a huge surprise, to say the least, and added another wrinkle to the testy relationship he had with Trump. McCain said he did NOT want Trump attending his funeral.

McCain was a respected leader in the Senate, despite being labeled a maverick ... someone who broke from Republican ranks when he felt principle was more important than party.

Trump mocked McCain during his presidential campaign for being a prisoner of war ... saying he liked war heroes who were not captured. McCain -- a Naval Academy graduate who took tremendous pride in his "maverick" label -- was captured in October 1967 after his bomber was hit by a missile.

The force of the ejection was so violent, McCain broke his right leg and both arms. McCain was held in a prison camp where he said he was beaten every 2 or 3 hours by guards over the course of several days.

McCain was finally released on March 14, 1973 but the effects of the crash and torture were evident in his everyday life from that day forward ... with a visible limp when he walked and his inability to raise either arm above his shoulders.

McCain -- born on on August 29, 1936 in the Panama Canal -- served in the Navy until 1981 and quickly dove into politics. He was elected to Congress in 1982 and the Senate in 1986.

McCain ran twice for President. He lost to then-Texas governor George W. Bush in the 2000 primaries but won the Republican nomination back in 2008 ... with Sarah Palin as his running mate. The pair ultimately lost to Barack Obama and Joe Biden. McCain later said he regretted picking Palin.

McCain is survived by Cindy, his wife of 38 years, and his 5 children -- Meghan, John, James, Bridget and Sidney.

He was 81. RIP

Kyle Pavone -- the lead vocalist of the metal band We Came as Romans -- has died ... according to a statement from the band.

The metalcore band from Michigan shared the sad news on social media, saying ... "Today music lost another great ... Kyle's tragic loss came too early in his life and those of his bandmates. All are devastated by his passing. We will miss his smiles, his sincerity, his concern for others, and his impressive musical talent."

Sources close to the situation tell us Kyle was transported to a Michigan hospital on August 19 and pronounced dead Saturday morning. His cause of death is still unclear, pending a toxicology report.

Bandmate Joshua Moore also shared a message on his Instagram about Kyle's passing with a photo of the 2 together captioned, "The craziest, goofiest, most funny and lovable kid. I miss you so much."

We Came as Romans is best known for their songs "Hope," "The World I Used to Know" and "I Knew You Were Trouble." Their album "Tracing Back Roots" reached #8 on the Billboard charts in 2013.

In August, Pavone tweeted the lyrics, "Will i be remembered or will i be lost in loving eyes," from the band's song "Promise Me" off their latest album. The band also shared these lyrics with their statement Saturday.

Kyle was 28.

"Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" host Robin Leach has died at the age of 76.

Leach had been hospitalized since November after suffering a stroke while in Cabo San Lucas, and passed away Friday morning in Vegas ... according to his colleague John Katsilometes at the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Katsilometes revealed before his death, Leach was in hospice care after suffering a second stroke on Monday. A family from his statement said, "Despite the past 10 months, what a beautiful life he had. Our Dad, Grandpa, Brother, Uncle and friend Robin Leach passed away peacefully last night."

The family continued, "Everyone’s support and love over the past, almost one year, has been incredible and we are so grateful. Memorial arrangements to follow. With love, Steven, Gregg and Rick Leach."

Leach -- a veteran journalist -- launched and hosted 'Lifestyles' in 1984 and it aired until 1995. The show gave viewers a sneak peek into the lives of wealthy entertainers, athletes and CEOs.

The show's success came on the heels of a burst of interest in the lives of the filthy rich back in the 80's. Even years after the show ended, Leach remained a figurehead in the world of wealth and luxury. Despite his ritzy reputation, Leach always insisted he was a normal and down-to-earth dude.

Robin moved to Las Vegas in 1999 and spent most of his final years as a journalist working for the Las Vegas Review-Journal and for the Las Vegas Sun covering celeb events on the strip.

Leach started his career earning just $6 an hour at The Harrow Observer. From there, he became the youngest editor at just 18 years old at London's Daily Mail and later worked for the New York Daily News and People magazine.

In a 2011 interview with The Las Vegas Sun, Leach said, "I wanted no other jobs than to work in newspapers."

Leach's mindset clearly changed when he broke into TV on CNN's "People Tonight" in 1980 and followed up in playing a major part in launching "Entertainment Tonight."

In 2007, Leach was the host of "The Surreal Life: Fame Games" on VH1. The show featured 10 celebs -- including Vanilla Ice, Chyna, Verne Troyer, Ron Jeremy and Brigitte Nielsen -- competing in a series of games for $100,000.

We had Vince Neil -- a longtime friend of Robin's -- on TMZ Live Friday ... who dished on Leach and his accomplishments.

He most recently appeared on an episode of VICELAND's "Most Expensivest" where 2 Chainz jetted to Vegas to sip champagne and eat caviar with Robin.

Leach was to turn 77 Wednesday.