**Handwritten Document Found in Aretha Franklin’s Couch Confirmed as Valid Michigan Will**
A handwritten document discovered in the couch of the late singer Aretha Franklin has been officially declared as a valid will by a jury in Michigan. This decision marks a significant development in a dispute between Franklin’s sons, Kecalf Franklin and Edward Franklin, regarding the distribution of her estate.
**Victory for Kecalf Franklin and Edward Franklin**
Kecalf Franklin and Edward Franklin, represented by their lawyers, had argued that the papers dated 2014 should take precedence over a 2010 will that was found in a locked cabinet at Aretha Franklin’s home in suburban Detroit. The jury’s ruling in favor of the 2014 document represents a victory for the two sons.
**Two Wills Discovered After Aretha Franklin’s Death**
When Aretha Franklin passed away at the age of 76 five years ago, she did not leave behind a formal, typewritten will. However, in 2019, two handwritten documents surfaced, both of which were difficult to decipher due to scribbled handwriting and unclear passages. It was Aretha Franklin’s niece who happened upon these documents while searching for records in the singer’s home.
**The Estate Managers’ Role and Unresolved Will Dispute**
Since Franklin’s death, the estate managers have been handling financial matters, including bill payments, tax debt settlements, and the management of music royalties and other intellectual property assets. However, the dispute over the will has remained unresolved.
**Differences Between the 2010 and 2014 Wills**
While both the 2010 and 2014 versions of the will indicate that Franklin’s four sons would receive income from her music and copyrights, there are some notable differences. Under the 2014 will, Kecalf Franklin and the grandchildren would inherit Franklin’s main home in Bloomfield Hills. The value of the property has significantly increased since Franklin’s passing, now worth much more than its initial valuation of $1.1 million.
One dissimilarity between the two wills is that the 2010 version stipulates that Kecalf, 53, and Edward Franklin, 64, must obtain business education by completing classes and obtaining a certificate or degree in order to benefit from the estate. This provision, however, is absent in the 2014 will.
**Testimony Against the 2014 Will**
Ted White II, a former guitarist for Aretha Franklin, testified against the validity of the 2014 will. He claimed that his mother would typically engage the services of an attorney to prepare important documents in a conventional and legal manner.
**Aretha Franklin’s Legacy**
Aretha Franklin was a global star for several decades, known for her timeless hits like “Think,” “I Say a Little Prayer,” and “Respect.” Her music continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, solidifying her status as an iconic figure in the music industry.
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