She is the Queen of Soul and they are bigger hitters in the world of politics . But despite being an unlikely trio , both Eric Holder and the Reverend Al Sharpton got together to help celebrate the 73rd birthday of Aretha Franklin on Sunday night . The outgoing attorney general and the civil rights activist joined guests from the world of music for the annual party at New York 's Ritz Carlton hotel . Scroll down for video . Aretha Franklin is joined by U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and the Rev Al Sharpton at her 73rd birthday party in New York City . Both Mr Holder and the Rev Sharpton are close friends of the singer . Mr Holder was with his wife Sharon Malone , while Rev Sharpton was accompanied by date Aisha McShaw . The singer , who does n't actually turn 73 until Wednesday , has become known for holding star-studded parties to mark her birthday . At last night 's celebration , Miss Franklin , who wore a sparkling silver dress blew out the candles on her cake and was even treated to a chorus of 'Happy Birthday ' sang by Labelle singer Sarah Dash . Miss Franklin has been a long time friend of both Mr Holder and Reverend Sharpton . Earlier this year , she sang at a ceremony to announce Mr Holder would be stepping down from his position of Attorney General . The singer wore a silver sparkling dress with a coat as she walked the red carpet on the way to her party . She sang 'America The Beautiful ' as an homage to Mr Holder , who was visibly moved by the gesture . It was reported that as she approached the podium to sing , President Barack Obama rushed to her side and handed her a stepping stool with the words , 'Hold on , Queen . ' It is thought that she has become good friends with Mr Holder and his wife Sharon . Aretha Franklin blows out the candles on her birthday cake with the help of Mr Holder news correspondent Tamron Hall and music executive Clive Davis . Meanwhile Miss Franklin was last seen partying with the Rev Sharpton at his 60th birthday party last October , where she described him as a 'man among men ' . At one point during the party , New York mayor Bill de Blasio was addressing the Reverend . But he was soon cut off by Mr Sharpton as Miss Franklin entered the room , with him saying : ' I don ’ t usually interrupt the mayor , but the Queen is in the room . '
The singer held her 73rd birthday party at US Ritz Carlton hotel . Guests included New York 's Attorney General Eric Holder and Rev Al Sharpton . She blew out the candles on a cake while partygoers sang Happy Birthday .