Jury confirms validity of Aretha Franklin’s hidden handwritten will.

A jury has made a fascinating decision that adds a twist to the legal battle over the late legendary singer, Aretha Franklin’s estate. They have ruled that a handwritten will discovered under her couch cushions is valid and takes precedence over an earlier version found locked in a cabinet.

The discovery of this handwritten will has caused quite a stir. Aretha Franklin’s son, Ted White II, argued that the notarized version of her will from 2010 should hold more weight than the 2014 version found in the couch. He claimed that the 2010 version, created in a more traditional manner, should override the other.

“With all the time I spent working with her administratively … every other document that she ever signed was something that was done conventionally and legally,” White told the jury through his lawyer, as reported by Fox News. 

The handwritten will was discovered by Franklin’s niece, Sabrina Owens, in her suburban Detroit home after Franklin passed away in 2018 without a formal will. Owens testified that she found the documents while searching the sofa, where her aunt would often spend time.

A representative for Franklin’s sons, Kecalf and Edward Franklin, argued during closing arguments that the newer version of the will should be considered valid. “You can take your will and leave it on the kitchen counter. It’s still your will,” he stated.

The most recent will states that Kecalf and Franklin’s grandchildren are entitled to her home in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. In contrast, the 2010 version specifies that her sons must obtain a certificate or degree in business before inheriting her estate. The 2014 version reportedly includes this stipulation, according to the AP.

After less than an hour of deliberation, the jury reached a verdict.

“I’m very, very happy,” expressed Kecalf upon hearing the verdict. “I just wanted my mother’s wishes to be adhered to. We just want to exhale right now. It’s been a long five years for my family, my children.”

White’s attorney stated, “We were here to see what the jury would rule. We’ll live with it.”

According to reports, the last public accounting of Franklin’s estate showed an income of $3.9 million in the previous 12-month period, with a similar amount spent, including over $900,000 in legal fees to various firms.

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