Muhammad Ali’s remains arrived in his hometown of Louisville, Ky., on Sunday, ahead of his funeral later this week.
The boxing great’s funeral will be held on Friday and will be followed by a public memorial service at the city’s KFC Yum! Center, family spokesman Bob Gunnell was quoted as saying by People magazine.
Ali, 74, died last Friday night at a hospital near Phoenix because of septic shock following respiratory complications.
“Muhammad’s extraordinary boxing career only encompasses half his life. The other half was committed to carrying a message of peace and inclusion to the world,” Gunnell said on Saturday. “Following his wishes, his funeral will reflect those principals and will be a celebration open to everyone.”
Former U.S. President Bill Clinton will give a eulogy at Friday afternoon’s funeral, as will actor Billy Crystal and news anchor Bryant Gumbel.
[People]
For much more on Muhammad Ali, see TIME’s ALI: The Greatest, a 112-page, fully illustrated commemorative edition. Available at retailers and at AMAZON.COM
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Write to Rishi Iyengar at rishi.iyengar@timeasia.com