Michigan’s governor has formally signed legislation honoring the late Queen of Soul with a stretch of highway.

On Monday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer approved the bill to designate a portion of M-10 in Detroit as the “Aretha L. Franklin Memorial Highway” and noted in a statement that the singer’s “creativity and voice contributed to our musical and cultural history in Michigan.”

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Supporters of the renaming say dedicating a portion of the highway is a way to honor the musical and cultural icon, who grew up in the city and learned the gospel fundamentals at New Bethel Baptist Church who died last year after battling pancreatic cancer. Opposing voices have said such designations should only go to fallen first responders and military veterans.

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