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According to the BBC, President Obama offered his condolences in a phone call with Ali’s widow, Lonnie. The President and First Lady wrote a letter that will be given to Ali’s family by White House Senior Advisor, Valerie Jarrett, TIME reports. However, the Obamas won’t be present at Muhammad Ali‘s funeral in Kentucky on Friday, opting instead to attend First Daughter Malia‘s high school graduation at Sidwell Friends School in Washington, D.C., the White House says.

The 74-year-old iconic prize-fighter died Friday of septic shock and will be laid to rest in his hometown of Louisville. A public memorial service will be held in Louisville at the KFC Yum! Center. NBC News reports that Ali meticulously planned and signed off on every detail of his funeral in a ledger called, “The Book.”

Ali’s death rang out across the world as fans and admirers championed his athleticism, character, and contributions to the Civil Rights Movement.

Dignitaries such as the President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and King Abdullah of Jordan will attend the service. Former President Bill Clinton will eulogize Ali. Actor Will Smith and former boxer Lennox Lewis will serve as pallbearers, along with a host of family and friends, The Daily Beast writes.

SOURCES: BBCTIMENBC News, The Daily Beast |  PHOTO CREDIT: Getty

SEE ALSO:

Blood Brothers: The Friendship Between Muhammad Ali & Malcolm X

NewsOne Now Celebrates The Life & Legacy Of Muhammad Ali, “The Greatest Of All Time”

Find Out Why The Obamas Won’t Attend Muhammad Ali’s Funeral  was originally published on newsone.com