Smithsonian wants Aretha Franklin's hat

Singer hasn't decided if she'll donate her big-bowed inaugural headgear

Ron Edmonds / AP file

The Smithsonian is collecting Michelle Obama's Inauguration Day ballgown, but now the museum also wants Aretha Franklin's big-bowed hat.

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updated 7:18 a.m. ET Feb. 2, 2009

LOS ANGELES - The Smithsonian Museum wants Aretha Franklin’s Inauguration Day hat.

The Queen of Soul’s big-bowed headgear has become a hot property since the legendary singer wore it to belt out “America the Beautiful” at President Barack Obama’s Jan. 20 inauguration.

The Los Angeles Times reports that the hat’s designer, Luke Song, has been overwhelmed with demand for the $179 item. (Aretha’s custom-made version cost over $500.)

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But while the Smithsonian wants the original, Aretha’s not sure if she wants to give it up.

“I am considering it. It would be hard to part with my chapeau since it was such a crowning moment in history. I would like to smile every time I look back at it and remember what a great moment it was in American and African-American history. Ten cheers for President Obama,” she said in a statement, according to New York Magazine.

One piece of couture that will definitely be heading for the museum is First Lady Michelle Obama’s ball gown from the historic evening.

According to the Washington Post, the Jason Wu-designed dress will be on display this summer, and they’re interested in her Isabel Toledo ensemble from the ceremony, as well.

The Smithsonian’s collection currently includes 21 dresses from past First Ladies.