MUHAMMAD ALI'S funeral and memorial service are being held Friday in Louisville, the hometown of the former heavyweight boxing champion who died last week at age 74.
Chants of "Ali!, Ali!, Ali!" from onlookers greeted Ali's casket as it was moved in the funeral procession. Crowds in downtown Louisville shouted "We love you," as the procession made its way to the site of today's service.
The larger-than-life Ali is drawing fans, famous and anonymous, to his service. Former boxing champion Mike Tyson was a late addition as a pallbearer for the burial.
Other notable expected to attend include former President Clinton, a longtime friend, comedian Billy Crystal, TV journalist Bryant Gumbel and the champion's wife, Lonnie. From around the world, Jordan's king and Turkey's president are also expected to attend.
It has been reported that President Obama was unable to make the trip because his daughter, Malia, is graduating from high school. Valerie Jarrett, a senior White House adviser, is to read a letter Obama wrote to Ali's family at the service. As many as 15,000 people are expected to attend the service.
The Associated Press reported that there will be the single word inscribed on the headstone for the boxing superstar.
"Ali."
Family spokesman Bob Gunnell told the AP the simple stone is in keeping with Islamic tradition.
Ali chose Cave Hill Cemetery as his final resting place a decade ago. Cave Hill is on the National Register of Historic Places, and also the final resting place of Kentucky Fried Chicken founder Colonel Harland Sanders.
Ali wanted to be buried in his hometown, where he learned to box and fought his first fight. He also built a museum and the city named a street in his honor