CNN

What about the hat I was wearing that day... It was part of history,,, I don't hear the museum people knocking at my door.

Let Aretha have her hat. If she wants to give it up then let her but if she doesn't want to then she doesn't.

I knew the minute I saw her standing there in that hat this was going to be a big thing. It was awesome and I hope whoever created it gets rich making tons more of them.

The hat was lovely. Only a woman who truly understand hats can relate to this. Hats are popular accessories in wardrobes for church attire and special events for black women and women of other races.

I love a good curator.I hope she does give them that hat. Its epic!

I think it's an audacious, spectacular hat. That said, I think it should be shared. It had jaw-dropping impact on Inauguration Day.

it's your choice, you are the greatest.

"the Emperor wears new clothes"

I imagine it could be called iconic...of course I think the best reason to put it in a museum is so that it won't accidently injure anyone.

The hat is marvelous and she looks good in it. I'd like to put a cool 100G's on it and give it to my moms on Mother's Day.

A great talent with a very high style hat! Gorgeous! Donate it Aretha. Not everyone gets an offer from the Smithsonian!

Maybe they're having a party and they need something to serve bean dip in.....

I admire Aretha's style! If I could carry off a hat like that, I would! I would love to see it in the Smithsonian, but I would love to see it on Aretha again as well!

I wasn't crazy about the hat, but Arethra Franklin has earned the right to wear whatever she wants. I do hope she puts it in the Smithsonian. It's definitely unforgettable.

Are you people CRAZY??? That is the hottest hat I've ever seen! I love it and I love Aretha! She looked spectacular in the hat and it is a part of history! I'll never forget it, or that day! Aretha, hang on to it for a while, you deserve it Ms. Queen!!!

Shame on CNN and Anderson Cooper's socalled "Keeping Them Honest" for mocking Ms Franklin's hat. This woman is an American icon who should be treated with the respect she deserves.

it would be a piece of history that you and your family and the rest of the world could always treasure.

For those who do not see that the hat is 100% fabulous and totally appropriate to the wearer, the occasion and the coat, all your taste is in your mouth.

It was her crown for the day, and beautiful, as is she.

What a fabulous comment about the 3 year old thinking she was the Statue of Liberty. Love it.

its a trick, I love that hat and your songs, the smithsonian are sucking the country of its peoples items, fight them, don't do it

I think Rush is behind the request

Aretha, I love ya and I love your music, but that hat is just plain ugly.

Kathy in Florida, you took the words right out of my mouth.

The Queen of Soul. She was the best part of the entire Inauguration!

THE SMITHSONIAN GOT IT RIGHT!!

Sorry Aretha, , , give it up.

But as a side note, I too did not like the hat. I was stunned that she wore it. And the whole time Aretha was singing, my eyes was glued to that hat! I never saw Aretha's face until the news channel replayed the event.

I love the hat. It draws your attention away from her face.

The symbolism of a hat, worn by an American musical treasure, performing at a significant moment in American history. This changes a simple accessory into something that will help those looking back to better understand how incredible that day was. We live in a country that thrives on differences. Her taste, my taste and you the reader's taste may rarely by aligned, but let us not forget, she stood up there and sang about "My Country".. your country, and at the heart of it, asked for something we can all appreciate. A Little R-E-S-P-E-C-T.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kent C. Raine
Charlottesville, VA

The hat, the outfit, the occasion, and the woman are iconic. Monumentous. I think Ms. Franklin should donate the coat and the hat at her leisure. She was awesome and her outfit reflected her reverence of the occasion. She was dressing for God, for this day, and this man. Aretha Franklin is an american treasure. She is also a civil rights icon.

Aretha will have her own museum someday so maybe she should keep it for that!

That hat is not just a thing. It was the most wonderful spirited piece of fashion that celebrated a truly joyous historic moment for our country..not to mention Aretha was totally gorgeous in it.
I do hope she will part with it as it is th icon of celebratory fashion for this wonderful moment in history

Bloody Hell, people! I think a lot of you are totally missing the point. So the hat is ugly, so what? Point is it's MEMORABLE! We're all talking about it, aren't we?

And also who made the rule that history always had to be srs bizns? Personally I think that Aretha's performance that day was another highlight of an event that had me glued to my telly, and the awesomesauce that was her hat just added to the occasion. Quit your griping and try experimenting with that facial expression called 'A Smile'.

The Smithsonian has lost its focus....period. A hat? Please people. Let's get a grip here. With all due respect to Ms. Franklin, that is one of the ugliest things that I have seen on a head since the Ayatollah's get up.

If you need a Hat, to get ahead... You need something, to put under it...

A iconic hat worn by an iconic woman on an iconic occasion. It belongs in the Smithsonian. Get over it, people.

So does Walmart's gift wraping department.

Aretha – The Queen of Soul! What a talent!

I have never seen so many bone headed people like this country has
give up your hat
you people are the jokes of this country
please leave and go live in another country
so we can have a great country again

If it is in the Smithsonian then whoever wants to see they will be able to and it would be in the best place possible where nobody could steal it or damage it. Don't be selfish and share it with the world.

If you do it, you won't regret it !!

If you lose it, you will regret it !!

From the words of a famous actor:

Make it so !!

After her weak performance, that hat isn't all that's headed to a museum.

I think that hat is AWESOME! It's big and bold though conservative in color like a man's suit worn by an acknowledged icon of American music. It balances perfectly with the bigness and boldness of her presence and voice but the bow and the greyness are as comfortable and old fashioned as My Country Tis of Thee.
Fashionistas, really, what SHOULD she have worn instead?

Go Aretha!

She's Aretha Franklin. She can wear whatever hat she wants to.
Personally, I doubt she would want to give it up! It is a fine example of a "crown."

People on this site who do not like the hat have no taste in fashion, or are either too young to know what they're talking about, and should probably keep their opinions to themselves. The hat is lovely and understated and is a great example of the "crowns" worn by many African-American church woman.

The Smithonsian's interest in the piece makes perfect sense, and I agree with those who say Ms. Franklin should donate the hat for historical purposes.

As for the hat's critics: I'd love to get a gander at your own closets. What is that saying: Better to keep silent and be thought ignorant, rather than open one's mouth and remove all doubt.

I would love to see Aretha's hat go to the Smithsonian. It would represent our 'black culture' and heritage. Our older 'mothers' in the church still wear 'big hats' during church service. The inaguration was defining moment for African Americans and Aretha and her 'hat' were a part of that moment.

Consider donating the hat Aretha. You're right, it was a crowning moment in history and your hat became an icon of that moment. If you keep it at home, you can enjoy it yourself and your heirs can sell it for a lot of money later. If you give it to the Smithsonian, it becomes a permanent icon in American history and it becomes one more brick in the building that commemorates and marks this historic moment for all time. The hat has more power for good if you give it than if you keep it. Is it really personal satisfaction that you most want or is it something far bigger that you most want? Do you want your hat to mark one of the most momentous events in American history and remind people forever that we celebrated something magnificent on January 20,2009? Give the hat to the people of America for it represents a great stride for your people.

Give that ugly hat up so that these people can cover real news.

Maybe they just want it to keep her from wearing it in public again.

Love the hat. Enjoy it and leave it in your will.

I... LOVED... THAT... HAT.

The only place that hat belongs is in the dumpster.

This will be the #1 drag queen costume this coming Halloween.

I love Aretha, but I probably would never take my son the Smithsonian someday to see this hat and watch his eyes light up at it. It's of significance to her, she ought to keep it if she wants.

Good, put it in the museum, so no one will ever have to see it on TV again. It was absolutely awful, as was Michelle Obama's dress!

Will it to them Aretha!

Because her hat is a history-making object is precisely the reason the Smithsonian wants to exhibit it. Aretha should get the designer to make her a copy, wear it as she wishes, and be proud that she was right up there with the president in making history.

what is the matter with you people? the hat was the best and it most certainly needs to be included in america's attic-–long live the queen!

Wow. That's one big bow on that hat.
I laughed when I first saw it and then I realized that it's Aretha. So out of R-E S- P- E- C- T I stopped laughing. For a minute.

When I was in college working at a entertainment complex and doing an internship in a jail the jailmates were all excited about Aretha coming to town. Sometimes I would talk to the performers, Yul Brenner was the nicest. I asked for Aretha's autograph for the women in jail and they flat out said no. I'm not surprised that she doesn't want to give up her hat...Give Aretha, give...

Give the hat.. Stop grandstanding...

This hat is truly iconic of both the inauguration and Aretha herself. What a lady!!! It should eventually make its way to the Smithsonian.

There was a lot of history made that day.

The hat in question contributed little.

The hat is a ugly as you are Aretha! give the damm hat away! The goodwill to the goodwill industry would be most appreciated.

ARETHA, WEARS THE HAT VERY WELL!

I love that hat!!! She looked awesome in it. How killer is that, the Smithsonian wants it! Go Aretha!

One persons trash is another person treasure. If Ms franklin wants to keep her hat that is he choice,but I understand the smithstonian veiw point to,Lady Soul is a treasure heself. Thank you for all the beautiful music.

Perhaps the good folks at the Smithsonian have requested the hat in hopes that the Queen of Soul never wears it publicly again!

That hat isn't Smithsonian quality. Give me a break – even the singing wasn't that good.

In keeping with the theme of the new administration, the hat should be described using the American media's new favorite word. Like the nomination and election of the President, the nomination of Eric Holder, the (unfortunate) nomination of Bill Richardson, and the nomination of Elena Kagan, this hat is – dare I say it – HISTORIC.

I love Aretha...but I think she needs to get over herself.

Oh good grief ... if I were her I'd never worn it in the first place. It made her look like a sterotypical "Aunt Jemima". It was not an historical hat, rather it was an hysterical hat !!!!!! Why would the museum want such an ugly thing?

To all of you who don't appreciate the true beauty of this hat, get out of your mid-western plaid flannel shirts, blue-jean overalls and caterpillar boots,(or CROCS!) because you have no sense of style or grace. The designer who commented about the essence of all soulful women hit the nail on the head!

I loved the hat, I would part with it if I were her.

Oh for crying out loud...it's a stupid ugly hat worn by a hasbeen. She's just hoping to make some money off of it because she's not making any off her records any more.

I love Aretha Franklin, always have and always will, and I am a number one President Obama supporter. That said, I agree with a writer above, that is one very unattractive hat, to put it semi-politely. Give it up, Aretha, your voice is your golden place in history, and you had it long before you sang at President Obama's inauguration. Please, give that ridiculous hat to the Smithsonian and buy one full of color that would make you look like the "Queen of Soul" that you truly are.

You know, I adore Aretha....her singing moves many souls...though I don't think it was her best at the Innag. ...but weather was a factor for sure. Anyhow, I really don't think it's significant to put this in the Smith...it's a hat....does that mean the stockings, suits, ties, of everyone else also goes down in history...come on..

I would like to know exactly which Smithsonian Museum they plan to exhibit the hat in?

The Air and Space Museum as part of their beyond the stars exhibit, or will it be displayed at the Natural History Museum next to the Hope Diamond as another national gem, perhaps they may even display it in the National Museum of the American Indians, isnt this some kind of War Bonnet?

Just exactly where do they plan to display this ugly thing, I love Aretha, have nothing but R-E-S-P-E-C-T for her but, dear me. Its just a HAT!

WHAT????

Why on earth would the Smithsonian want this ugly had unless it's too make fun of it......

This speaks volumes about how Americans are losing their perspective on what's important in life.

Aretha, her hat and "the poet" were ONLY three of the worst "sights and sounds" on that day. Aretha NEVER could sing, she only "shouts on tune"!

give up the hat, have the designer make you a replica! ANYWAYS; when are you ever going to wear it again?! Go to the museum if you need to see it!

Love You Aretha, you are a musical icon. I can see why they would want just a "small part" of your contribution from this historic day.
LOVED THE HAT and you looked great wearing it.....Now one more reason to take the kids and hopefully one day the grandchildren to the Smithsonian!

Everybody could not and should not attempt to wear a hat like that. But, for Aretha....it could be signature. A Lady and her fancy hats is a part of history......ask the Queen of England, it is a sign of power.

If I were Aretha, I'd hold onto it for the sentimental value and continue enjoying it for as long as she lives, then bequeath it to the Smithsonian. If it's truly worthy of being in there, it will stand the test of time and still be just as historic one day when The Queen is gone. What's the rush?

Give it up, Aretha!

Lady Soul, if your country calls you must answer. Give the hat up so that many many years from now when young kids visit the Smithsonian they can read about this historic election and your part in it. That's more important then anything you might have in mind for that hat. Just my humble opinion.

I hope they do get the hat. I will never forget it as long as I live.

I love the hat. It is perfect for the Queen of Soul both tasteful and exuberant. The Queen and her hat provided one of the most memorable visuals of the Inauguration. I'm sure she will give it up to history. Aretha you are the greatest!

Soul Sista No. 1, the Queen of Soul, and Diva de Troit: Baby you was fine in that hat singin' yo brand of "My Country Tis of Thee". But, girl, you got to give it up. That hat blown up way too big fo you now. Can I get a amen?

She should bequeath it to the Smithsonian–I certainly see why she wants it as a keepsake during her life. If it's historically important now, it'll be historically important when she and we all gone.

Glad to see somebody appreciates it. What a site.

I think Aretha should be in the Smithsonian. Not her hat.

I think Mike Steele would look better in it,hes just a big mommas boy anyway.

I loved the hat!!!

Give them the hat. This thing was a contraption, not an article of clothing. Ms. Franklin has some serious fashion issues.

What an idiot.....you look like a big ole doll baby ! Hilarious

smithsonain should be closed for having stupid curators.

If Lewinsky's blue dress isn't in the Smithonian then neither should Arethra's hat.

Maybe the "Hello, Dolly" museum............................

Can i try it on first?please..

Give the hat up Aretha for history

She can always leave it to the Smithsonian when she dies... Not a big deal.

That hat is already one of the most famous in history. Name another hat related to a US presidential inauguration? You can't, right? See there.

Anyway, I loved the hat as soon as I saw it. The significance and symbolism of it was apparent right from the start. Aretha does everything she does with meaning and purpose...and fabulous flamboyance. She chose perfectly and brilliantly for the circumstances.

I can't wait to see the hat at The Smithsonian. Please, do give it, Aretha.

She was the only lady I think that was dressed appropiately for the special occasion. The queen of soul deserves to have it placed there. Inaugral gown looked more like a n african sarong from afar and Barbara Walters menitioned how everyone was looking forward to seeing the most talked about dress of the night as it was some kind of hint as to the kind of adminstration the nation could expect. Funny when one thinks of how simple the gown looked compared to the overblown stimulus package.

FIRE THE IDIOT AT THE SMITHSONIAN WHO WOULD WANT SUCH AN UGLY HAT.

Loved the performance, think the hat is pretty horrid-looking..couldn't believe my eyes when she walked out with that huge silver bow on her head...I cannot see the significance of having that silly hat in the museum.

Com'on give it up, it will be forever preserved. You keep it and your family will put it on Ebay or Christie's once you part this earth.

Nice hat, Aretha. Good job singing in the extreme cold.

Since there are no comments on the Daschle story.... if his confirmation gets stalled.... how about, oh I dunno... maybe a 5 term centrist former governor who successfully implemented single-payer health care for all children in his state, and then went on to demonstrate his ability to envision and institute a successful 50-state strategy for the Democratic Party?

DOCTOR HOWARD DEAN for HHS SECRETARY

Check out the Aretha Franklin Hat Club on facebook

Unless you are an African-American (or any other of a certain age) you do not know the importance of the woman's crowning glory. I'm a white girl who grew up in the South in the 40's, 50's 60'd and dammit I never looked good in a hat and still don't. SO Aretha, while I couldn't wear it, you do what you want ant then give it the the Smithsonian. Which will be God willing many years down the road

Could I have the toilet paper that Obama used that day? How about the tissue that Yo-Yo Ma was wiping his nose with?

Aretha, send that fabulous $500 one-of-a kind hat to the Smithsonian Institute so the world will have an appreciative understanding of African American church fashion, especially the haute couture crowns, and its historical significance in our religious culture. POTUS (Barack) and FLOTUS (Michelle) will appreciate your generosity and your contribution to their place in American history.

I loved the hat! You go, girl! Do whatever you like!

Yes, Its a great Idea! In fact while were at it ....Lets ask for her dress, coat, and panties/thong!

The hat was beautiful,now you know why little girls like bows in their hair,give up the hat Aretha you have made your mark in history.

"CHAPEAU".... love it.... all hail ARETHA!!!

Aretha, I love ya and I love your music, but man, that hat was the king of gradios gaudiness.

Ms Franklin,
Please donate it to the museum. LOVE IT!

When did so many Americans become so mean and ugly. I finaly understand the term "UGLY AMERICAN"

A true Natural Woman and DIVA personified! I LOVE Aretha, and LOVED her rendition during the ceremony.

I truly RESPECT the Queen of Soul!

**I am so glad Beyonce' was not singing during the Inaugaration ceremony. Nice to see a successful young lady get so far. Beyonce' has overly saturated the market.....yawn!

@Lisa January 31st, 2009 3:36 pm ET
I love you Aretha…but that is one seriously unattractive hat!
@Kathy in Florida January 31st, 2009 2:12 pm ET
This hat should be sent straight to the dumpster. It is beyond UGLY!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lisa and Kathy ***Somtimes it is best to Shut the H_LL Up!!!

The hat was beautiful,now you know why little girls like bows in their hair,give up the hat Queen Aretha you have made your mark in history.

Give it up for the country? God some of you people have way too much time on your hands! It's her hat, it's her choice! I don't blame her for not wanting to give it up.

I thought she had flipped her purse over and put it on her head to stop the wind from blowing her hair. I really thought it was her purse bag.

rummage sell item....$1.99

Aretha Franklin is a national treasure in itself and having to be asked by the Smithsonian if they could keep that hat for historical posterity adds to Aretha's contribution even more. It is totally up to her though, but if I were her, I'd give it to the Smiths....

Note to the Smithsonian: Why stop with the hat? How about that thick coat she wore with that hat of her's? Ask her for that too!!!!

OK WHITE PEOPLE (AND OTHERS) LISTEN UP! The wearing of such elaborate hats is a long tradition in the so-called "black" church. (I'm a white boy and I know that. Hey, read the book CROWNS or attend the musical if you need to bone up on this.) Ms. Franklin's hat fits into that tradition and was completely appropriate for the event. Prior to January 20, I kept wondering who was going to sing at the inauguration and what they would sing. In retrospect there was no other choice for singer or song. "My Country 'Tis of Thee" echoed part of Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech. And that part, whether actually true or apocryphal, was not originally part of the speech. It was added when the great gospel singer Mahalia Jackson (who certainly had a great influence on Ms. Franklin) said "Martin, tell them about the dream." So the singer, the song and the hat were perfect. For better or worse that hat is now forever iconically linked to Barrack Obama's first inauguration. I urge Ms. Franklin to part with the hat so those who are born long after all of us are dead will see that hat and remember that this was the day that America took a big step forward in realizing the dream.

The Queen's hat was terrific! I have seen hats twice as big in church and way more colorful. It's part of our heritage. Black women rock their hats like that all the time. I can't wait to see it in museum.

Hey "Annoyed in AZ"

GET A HAT!

Jeez – don't you have other, more important things to annoy you?

Peace, Love and Obama.

It rivals her ugly singing that day.

Don't give it up yet, Aretha. Simply leave it to the Smithsonian in your will.

That hat is HEINOUS ! She should be indicted on fashion fraud. It would be very degrading for that piece of couture crap to end up in The Smithsonian. I'm surprised she was even asked for it. It would make a great chew toy for the dog.

It should be paired with that horrible looking "black widow" dress that Michelle was wearing. Jackie-O they will never be..........

QUESTION:::::::

How do you make a hanky, dance????

Put a little 'boogie' in it!!!!!!

Aretha can get away with ANYTHING,,,,,,,, this hat proves it........!!!!

Faaaaaaabulous Hat!!!! And her song in front of that crowd was unreal.
Aretha is God.

she's got so much stuff on, you can barely find Aretha Franklin under that big hat and big coat...

I love the wayt you sing, but that hat makes your head look like its been gift wrapped!

Please keep it for a while longer? Do you know that there is even a facebook fan page for your hat? We love it and the Smithsonian should have it SOME DAY- but for today, it is in our collective memories as a very regal hat, worn on a cold, wonderful day, when you sang a warm song that inspired and thrilled us.

Love you Aretha!

I have a problem with anyone asking for something from someone (like a hat) when the person/institution has no right to ask for said object.

Aretha, keep the hat, leave it and anything else you wish to leave to whoever you want to leave it to when you leave us.

Go a"head", it's gonna last longer than any of us...

Whether you like the hat or not, it should be in the Smithsonian as a mark of R E S P E C T for Aretha, her contribution to music, and the truly historic occasion for which she wore it. It will make a great addiiton to the Presidential memorabilia display. She should hold on to it for awhile and bask in the glow, and then send it on to the museum.

I like the hat. Really, I think it is beautiful, and it contrasts magnificently. Her earrings, however, are disastrous.

This hat was the big deal on the sunday following the obama inauguration. The church was packed with every woman, lady and even girl wearing an Arita's hat.

That hat deserves the utmost Smithsonian R -E -S -P – E – C – T!!! It has mine. Love the hat & bow that sets A's face off like an Inaugural package:)

Keep your hat darlin and do not give it up and if you wish leave it to them in your will and until then tell them go fish

Carmen Brown – you hit the nail on the head.

I would look like a clown in it but it was perfect for Aretha Franklin. I loved her at the inauguration! Smithsonian is a perfect place for it. It was so distinctive.

the hat is as beautiful as the woman under it. and being able to show it to members of your family in the future and telling them of the historical day is not only monumental but heartwarming so take your time and choose right because once it's gone there is no getting it back

Nice Hat Aretha

The Smithsonian should tell Aretha she has 2 hours to decide, and then after that, they don't care about her hat. Not sure why they care about it anyway.

The Smithsonian collects based on historical significance and impact on societey, not on whether or not something is attractive. She should consider leaving it in her final testament if they want it.
That is how we avaoid on group declaring their taste as good over those who may differ.
They have been know to pay for things to add to their collections.
besdies, where is she going to wear it now?

That hat was SOoooo ugly that I couldn't even pay attention to what she was singing!! She looked like a fool wearing it! It didn't cover her ears so there's no way it was keeping her warm. I actually felt SORRY for her that somebody didn't say to her, "Aretha, you look like a fool. Now get that hat off before America and the world see you!!"

It isn't a hat..... it's a crown! A well-deserved crown.

I love this hat! It may be the most stylish part of that whole day.

It's just a thing – ya can't take it with you and you probably paid too much for it so you may as well get your money's worth and give it up for history's sake.

Give me a break. The hat has nothing to do with the history made that day, other then maybe the worst hat in history

Give it up for history Aretha. You can buy another one any day that you'd like. Remember that it goes to the highest bidder.

Love the hat, Love the woman

Give it up for your country!

I love you Aretha...but that is one seriously unattractive hat!

Yes, Aretha Franklin's hat should be in the Smithsonian. Is it a pretty hat? No! Is it a queenly hat? Yes!

I am a Scotch/French/English/Irish-American woman and rarely wear a hat. But when I do I wear a big hat and feel rich and regal and womanly. Someone at the Smithsonian may understand this feeling and wisely wants to salute the generations of African-American women who, despite trials and tribulations proudly claim their richness and regalness and womanliness by wearing eye-stopping hats. God love them and more power to them. They give me the courage to do it, too.

Here's a funny and true story about that hat. My 3 year old granddaughter, Sarah, was watching the inauguration in Columbus with her mother and when Aretha began singing, she excitedly said: "There she is! That's the Statue of Liberty! But she is not holding her candle."
Out of the mouth of babes!

Uh, I don't really see the historic significance of this. How about the shorts I was wearing while watching?

I like that hat.....

i hope she does. her performance was one of the most beautiful renditions EVER. it was aretha who brought a tear to my eye that day.

Isn't there enough junk in the place? Must this be included? I think she ought to auction the hat off to the highest bidder. I understand she owes some back taxes. This might help.

This hat should be sent straight to the dumpster. It is beyond UGLY!!!!!!!!!!!!

Props to you Lady Soul! You outshined B and M. It would be a wonderful tribute to this historic time if you allowed it to be displayed. But I understand the significance of treasuring the unforgettable event. Bless you.

OH MY GOODNESS. YOU CAN'T BE SERIOUS MUSEUM PEOPLE!