A jury has determined that a handwritten document discovered in Aretha Franklin’s couch is a valid will, marking a significant development in the years-long battle over her estate.
The ruling, which came from a Michigan court on Tuesday, confirms that the will was discovered in 2019, a year after Aretha’s passing. It was found in a notebook hidden beneath the couch in her Detroit home.
The document, dated March 31, 2014, differs significantly from a draft of her will from 2010.
The updated pages of the will designate Aretha’s sons, Kecalf and Edward, as the executors of her $6 million estate. Notably, the name “Teddy,” also known as Ted White II, their brother who was assigned as the executor in the 2010 version, has been crossed out.
In addition, the 2014 version of the will no longer includes a requirement for Kecalf and Edward to take business classes or obtain a degree or certificate in order to benefit from Aretha’s estate, as was stated in the 2010 version.
When Aretha passed away in 2018 after a battle with pancreatic cancer, no will was initially found, as first reported by TMZ. However, since then, her children have been engaged in a fierce conflict over her assets.
The battle for Aretha’s financial empire has finally come to an end.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When was Aretha Franklin’s will discovered?
The handwritten will was found in 2019, one year after Aretha Franklin’s passing.
2. Who is designated as the executors of her estate?
Aretha Franklin’s sons, Kecalf and Edward, are designated as the executors of her $6 million estate.
3. What is the significance of the 2010 draft of her will?
The 2010 draft of the will differs significantly from the 2014 version and originally assigned their brother, Teddy (Ted White II), as the executor of the estate.
4. Were there any changes in the requirements for her children to benefit from the estate?
Unlike the 2010 version, the 2014 will no longer includes a requirement for Kecalf and Edward to take business classes or obtain a degree or certificate to benefit from the estate.
Conclusion
The discovery of Aretha Franklin’s valid will in her couch marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle over her estate. The handwritten document, dated 2014, designates her sons, Kecalf and Edward, as the executors of her $6 million estate. The differences between the 2010 draft and the 2014 version have caused significant conflict among her children. However, with this recent ruling, the fight for control over Aretha Franklin’s financial legacy has finally come to an end.