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00:00Here is a preview of the most expensive celebrity funerals in the world, marked by an extravagance, which often reflects their status, their wealth and their popularity.
00:12Michael Jackson, disappeared in 2009. Estimated cost, 1 million dollars.
00:18The King of Pop had a sumptuous funeral at the Lawn Memorial Park cemetery in Los Angeles. His coffin was in massive gold, a special model costing about 25,000 dollars. The private ceremony included floral arrangements, reinforced security and tributes to many celebrities. Notable fact, his public memorial at the Staples Center also cost millions, bringing together millions of viewers.
00:48Ronald Reagan, disappeared in 2004. Estimated cost, 400,000 to 800,000 dollars. The former American president had a state funeral, accompanied by several ceremonies, a parade and great security. The transport of his body across the country mobilized large funds. Notable fact, the inhumation at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library took place in the presence of many dignitaries.
01:15Aretha Franklin, disappeared in 2018. Estimated cost, 300,000 dollars. The Queen of Soul had a flamboyant ceremony, with musical performances by Stevie Wonder, Ariana Grande and other stars. Aretha was dressed in different outfits during these three days of funeral vigil. Notable fact, a massive gold coffin and an impressive funeral procession marked this celebration.
01:46Whitney Houston, disappeared in 2012. Estimated cost, 500,000 dollars. Her funeral took place in her hometown of New Jersey. Whitney was resting in a gold-plated coffin and her ceremony was broadcast live to fans around the world. Notable fact, the costs were increased by security measures to manage the massive crowd.
02:10Princess Diana, disappeared in 1997. Estimated cost, 11 to 12 million dollars. The burial of Princess Diana was a worldwide event. The costs included security devices, a television broadcast followed by 2.5 billion people and a royal procession.
02:33Notable fact, Diana rests in Althorp, the domain of her family, on an island surrounded by a lake.
02:42John Fitzgerald Kennedy, disappeared in 1963. Estimated cost, 15 million dollars.
02:50After his murder, John Fitzgerald Kennedy had a state funeral with a national procession, funerals at St. Matthew's Cathedral and an inhumation at Arlington Cemetery. Notable fact, the eternal flame of his grave has become an emblematic symbol.
03:06Elizabeth Taylor, disappeared in 2011. Estimated cost, 800,000 dollars. The legendary actress was buried in the Forest Lawn Memorial Park, in a red velvet-lined acacia coffin. Her funerals were held under extravagant conditions.
03:26Notable fact, the ceremony began 15 minutes late, as she had asked to be late for her own funerals.
03:34Kim Jong-il, disappeared in 2011. Estimated cost, 40 million dollars. The North Korean leader had gigantic funerals, with a national procession and a mausoleum built in his honor. The costs included the maintenance of his mummified body. Notable fact, it reflected the cult of the personality around him.
03:59Paul Walker, disappeared in 2013. Estimated cost, 1 million dollars. The actor of Fast & Furious had a private ceremony with his loved ones at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The costs included the coffin, the security and the preparation of the site. Notable fact, his co-workers contributed to the expenses.
04:23Queen Elizabeth II, disappeared in 2022. Estimated cost, more than 200 million dollars. The Queen had an exceptional state funeral. The costs included ceremonies in Westminster, the security for the heads of state of the whole world, and impressive logistics. Notable fact, the whole world followed the funerals of this emblematic figure.
04:53These funerals show the cultural, political or artistic impact of these personalities, often commemorated in a last tribute, worthy of their greatness.
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