A jury has decided that the 2014 version of Aretha Franklin’s will should stand in an ongoing battle about her estate.
When Aretha died, it was believed that she did not have a will, which would result in her assets being equally divided between her four children, Kecalf Cunningham, Clarence Franklin, Edward Franklin and Teddy Richards.
Franklin’s niece discovered a will written by Aretha hidden in a spiral notebook under a cushion of her sofa that she signed. She additionally included the statement, “Being of sound mind, I write my will and testimony.” This will states that her three sons, Cunningham, Edward and Richards, would split her bank funds and royalties from her music. Her last son, Cunningham, would inherit more than his other siblings, as he would receive her mansion where she lived, which is valued at $1.2 million, and all her cars.
Months after her death, a second will was located.
When Aretha died, it was believed that she did not have a will, which would result in her assets being equally divided between her four children, Kecalf Cunningham, Clarence Franklin, Edward Franklin and Teddy Richards.
Franklin’s niece discovered a will written by Aretha hidden in a spiral notebook under a cushion of her sofa that she signed. She additionally included the statement, “Being of sound mind, I write my will and testimony.” This will states that her three sons, Cunningham, Edward and Richards, would split her bank funds and royalties from her music. Her last son, Cunningham, would inherit more than his other siblings, as he would receive her mansion where she lived, which is valued at $1.2 million, and all her cars.
Months after her death, a second will was located.
- 7/12/2023
- by Nina Hauswirth
- Uinterview
The 2014 will found in the couch of Aretha Franklin‘s home — following her death in 2018 — has been deemed valid by a jury.
According to CNN, on Tuesday, after an hour of deliberations, a jury at the Oakland County Probate Court determined that a document that was found in the couch of the star’s home will stand as the record of the estate, as it was signed by the late artist and shows her intent.
The 2014 handwritten document rules in favor of her two sons, Kecalf and Edward Franklin.
Franklin’s son, Ted White II, argued that a handwritten will from 2010 — which was found in a cabinet and favors him — should control her estate. Kecalf and Edward Franklin argued that the 2014 document should be the final say.
Both documents say that the sons would share income from music and copyrights. However, the 2014 document crosses out Ted’s name as the executor of the estate,...
According to CNN, on Tuesday, after an hour of deliberations, a jury at the Oakland County Probate Court determined that a document that was found in the couch of the star’s home will stand as the record of the estate, as it was signed by the late artist and shows her intent.
The 2014 handwritten document rules in favor of her two sons, Kecalf and Edward Franklin.
Franklin’s son, Ted White II, argued that a handwritten will from 2010 — which was found in a cabinet and favors him — should control her estate. Kecalf and Edward Franklin argued that the 2014 document should be the final say.
Both documents say that the sons would share income from music and copyrights. However, the 2014 document crosses out Ted’s name as the executor of the estate,...
- 7/11/2023
- by Brent Furdyk
- ET Canada
A handwritten document found in Aretha Franklin’s couch following her 2018 death counts as a valid will, a Michigan jury ruled (via The Associated Press). The decision ends a years-long debate between the iconic singer’s sons, who disagreed over how Franklin’s assets should be divided.
According to the AP, the jury deliberated for under an hour before deciding that the document — written by Franklin in 2014 and featuring crossed out, sometimes illegible passages — was legally valid, despite not being notarized or signed in the presence of witnesses.
The ruling also lays to rest a debate over which will found in Franklin’s home — there were multiple — would divide her estate. While the 2014 document was found under couch cushions, another, dated from 2010, was found in a locked cabinet. Two of Franklin’s sons, Kecalf and Edward Franklin, argued in favor of the 2014 paper, while brother Ted White II favored the earlier will,...
According to the AP, the jury deliberated for under an hour before deciding that the document — written by Franklin in 2014 and featuring crossed out, sometimes illegible passages — was legally valid, despite not being notarized or signed in the presence of witnesses.
The ruling also lays to rest a debate over which will found in Franklin’s home — there were multiple — would divide her estate. While the 2014 document was found under couch cushions, another, dated from 2010, was found in a locked cabinet. Two of Franklin’s sons, Kecalf and Edward Franklin, argued in favor of the 2014 paper, while brother Ted White II favored the earlier will,...
- 7/11/2023
- by Carys Anderson
- Consequence - Music
The final wishes of singing star Aretha Franklin will be adjudicated starting next Monday in a trial that will determine which of two handwritten wills will be honored.
Millions in royalties are at stake in the legal action. Franklin was a music superstar, known for massive hits like “Respect” and “Think.” She had four sons, but never created a formal, typewritten will, despite years of health problems and an historic legacy.
Instead, she left two handwritten documents, including one found in a couch. Son Ted White II believes papers dated in 2010 should mainly control the estate, while sons Kecalf Franklin and Edward Franklin favor a 2014 document. Both were discovered in Franklin’s suburban Detroit home months after her death from pancreatic cancer in 2018 at age 76.
A niece, Sabrina Owens, agreed to be personal representative or executor.
Months after Franklin’s funeral, Owens found a handwritten will dated 2010. Another, dated 2014, was...
Millions in royalties are at stake in the legal action. Franklin was a music superstar, known for massive hits like “Respect” and “Think.” She had four sons, but never created a formal, typewritten will, despite years of health problems and an historic legacy.
Instead, she left two handwritten documents, including one found in a couch. Son Ted White II believes papers dated in 2010 should mainly control the estate, while sons Kecalf Franklin and Edward Franklin favor a 2014 document. Both were discovered in Franklin’s suburban Detroit home months after her death from pancreatic cancer in 2018 at age 76.
A niece, Sabrina Owens, agreed to be personal representative or executor.
Months after Franklin’s funeral, Owens found a handwritten will dated 2010. Another, dated 2014, was...
- 7/7/2023
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Five years after her death, the final wishes of music superstar Aretha Franklin are still unsettled. An unusual trial begins next Monday to determine which of two handwritten wills, including one found in couch cushions, will guide how her estate is handled.
The Queen of Soul, who had four sons, did not have a formal, typewritten will in place, despite years of health problems and efforts to get one done. But under Michigan law, it’s still possible to treat other documents — with scribbles, scratch-outs and hard-to-read passages — as her commands.
The dispute is pitting a son against other sons. Ted White II believes papers dated in 2010 should mainly control the estate, while Kecalf Franklin and Edward Franklin favor a 2014 document. Both were discovered in Franklin’s suburban Detroit home, months after her death from pancreatic cancer in 2018 at age 76.
“Does it surprise me that someone passed away before they...
The Queen of Soul, who had four sons, did not have a formal, typewritten will in place, despite years of health problems and efforts to get one done. But under Michigan law, it’s still possible to treat other documents — with scribbles, scratch-outs and hard-to-read passages — as her commands.
The dispute is pitting a son against other sons. Ted White II believes papers dated in 2010 should mainly control the estate, while Kecalf Franklin and Edward Franklin favor a 2014 document. Both were discovered in Franklin’s suburban Detroit home, months after her death from pancreatic cancer in 2018 at age 76.
“Does it surprise me that someone passed away before they...
- 7/6/2023
- by Corey Atad
- ET Canada
(The following post contains Spoilers for the Aretha Franklin biopic “Respect”)
The new Aretha Franklin biopic “Respect” shows the Queen of Soul grappling with fame, fortune, finding the right note at the start of her career and everything that followed. But it offers little clarity around one of the most poignant parts of her young life – Franklin’s becoming pregnant as a young girl, whether willingly or otherwise.
In the opening of the film directed by Liesl Tommy, we meet a 10-year-old Aretha (played by 12-year-old Skye Dakota Turner) whose preacher father (Forest Whitaker) brings her downstairs to a party full of famous people and asks her to sing for everybody.
In a later party scene, with the clearly pre-pubescent Aretha preparing to go to sleep in her bedroom, an unnamed man enters, closes the door and says that he’ll be her “boyfriend.” Later, we see the little girl in silhouette,...
The new Aretha Franklin biopic “Respect” shows the Queen of Soul grappling with fame, fortune, finding the right note at the start of her career and everything that followed. But it offers little clarity around one of the most poignant parts of her young life – Franklin’s becoming pregnant as a young girl, whether willingly or otherwise.
In the opening of the film directed by Liesl Tommy, we meet a 10-year-old Aretha (played by 12-year-old Skye Dakota Turner) whose preacher father (Forest Whitaker) brings her downstairs to a party full of famous people and asks her to sing for everybody.
In a later party scene, with the clearly pre-pubescent Aretha preparing to go to sleep in her bedroom, an unnamed man enters, closes the door and says that he’ll be her “boyfriend.” Later, we see the little girl in silhouette,...
- 8/13/2021
- by Aarohi Sheth and Brian Welk
- The Wrap
In the two weeks since the death of Aretha Franklin, the world has grieved, mourned and offered outpourings of love in a day-long public funeral that drew everyone from fellow artists to religious leaders to former presidents. While Franklin’s formidable legacy and impact is certain, however, the fate of her estate might end up a more contentious matter.
That’s because she died without leaving a will. The Queen of Soul — who was one of the best-selling musical artists of all time with more than 75 million records sold worldwide,...
That’s because she died without leaving a will. The Queen of Soul — who was one of the best-selling musical artists of all time with more than 75 million records sold worldwide,...
- 9/5/2018
- by Amy X. Wang
- Rollingstone.com
The Queen is dead. Love live the Queen. Soul superstar Aretha Franklin is being laid to rest this morning in Detroit, and you can follow her funeral service live above. The private event will feature performances by Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, Jennifer Hudson and many others over the course of five hours or more.
The service for the Queen of Soul, who died August 16 at 76, is being held at the Motor City’s Greater Grace Temple, the same church where Franklin sang at civil rights icon Rosa Parks’ funeral in 2005.
A minute-by-minute schedule for the service is below.
The lineup of performers also includes Faith Hill, Ronald Isley, Yolanda Adams, Jennifer Holliday, Fantasia, a number of gospel singers and Franklin’s son Edward.
Presidents Bill Clinton is among those set to speak at the service, and the Rev. Al Sharpton will read a letter from Barack and Michelle Obama. Also...
The service for the Queen of Soul, who died August 16 at 76, is being held at the Motor City’s Greater Grace Temple, the same church where Franklin sang at civil rights icon Rosa Parks’ funeral in 2005.
A minute-by-minute schedule for the service is below.
The lineup of performers also includes Faith Hill, Ronald Isley, Yolanda Adams, Jennifer Holliday, Fantasia, a number of gospel singers and Franklin’s son Edward.
Presidents Bill Clinton is among those set to speak at the service, and the Rev. Al Sharpton will read a letter from Barack and Michelle Obama. Also...
- 8/31/2018
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Jennifer Hudson – Aretha Franklin’s personal choice to play her in a biopic – is just one of the performers set to pay tribute at the Queen of Soul’s private funeral in Detroit next Friday.
Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, Fantasia, Faith Hill, various gospel stars and Franklin’s son Edward are also on the list released today by Aretha’s longtime publicist Gwendolyn Quinn. See the full roster below.
The Aug. 31 service is planned for 10 a.m. at Detroit’s Greater Grace Temple. A public viewing will be held Tuesday and Wednesday at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, and a public concert is set for the Chene Park amphitheater Thursday.
The line-up for the funeral service is: Stevie Wonder, Faith Hill, Jennifer Hudson, Fantasia, Shirley Caesar, Ronald Isley, Chaka Khan, Yolanda Adams, Jennifer Holliday, Edward Franklin, and gospel stars Tasha Cobbs-Leonard, The Williams Brothers, Marvin Sapp,...
Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, Fantasia, Faith Hill, various gospel stars and Franklin’s son Edward are also on the list released today by Aretha’s longtime publicist Gwendolyn Quinn. See the full roster below.
The Aug. 31 service is planned for 10 a.m. at Detroit’s Greater Grace Temple. A public viewing will be held Tuesday and Wednesday at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, and a public concert is set for the Chene Park amphitheater Thursday.
The line-up for the funeral service is: Stevie Wonder, Faith Hill, Jennifer Hudson, Fantasia, Shirley Caesar, Ronald Isley, Chaka Khan, Yolanda Adams, Jennifer Holliday, Edward Franklin, and gospel stars Tasha Cobbs-Leonard, The Williams Brothers, Marvin Sapp,...
- 8/23/2018
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
As the world continues to mourn the loss of Aretha Franklin, new details about the late singer's will and fortune have come to light. On Tuesday, Aug. 21, TMZ revealed that the 76-year-old died without a will or a trust. So, since her net worth was estimated to be $80 million, who will inherit Aretha's money? According to Michigan law, Aretha's estate will be equally divided between her four children: Clarence Franklin, 63, Edward Franklin, 61, Ted White Jr., 54, and Kecalf Cunningham, 48. Aretha with son Kecalf and granddaughter Victorie. (Photo Credit: Getty Images) On Wednesday, Aug. 22, CNN reported that Aretha's four sons have already filed legal documents listing themselves as interested parties in her fortune. The Detroit Free Press additionally revealed that one of Aretha's nieces has also asked the court to appoint her as the personal representative of the music icon's estate. Aretha's lawyer — who has represented her in entertainment matters for decades...
- 8/22/2018
- by Julia Birkinbine
- Closer Weekly
Aretha Franklin has died at age 76, TMZ reports. The legendary musician reportedly passed away on Thursday following a lengthy battle with cancer. The news comes after reports that Aretha was "gravely ill" and surrounded by friends and family at a Detroit hospital earlier this week, which sparked an outpouring of love from fellow musicians like Beyoncé and Jay-Z. The singer was diagnosed with cancer in 2010 and retired from music late last year. Her last performance was on Nov. 2, 2017, for the Elton John AIDS Foundation in New York. Aretha is survived by her four children, Ted White Jr., Kecalf Cunningham, Clarence Franklin, and Edward Franklin.
- 8/19/2018
- by Kelsie Gibson
- Popsugar.com
As the world mourns the loss of music icon Aretha Franklin, those closest to the star have shared details of her "tough childhood," early motherhood, and years of "silent suffering" later in life. During her early years in Buffalo, NY and later Detroit, Mi, Aretha witnessed her parents' tumultuous marriage and later breakup over her father, Baptist minister and circuit preacher C. L. Franklin's philandering. When she was just nine years old, Aretha's mother, Barbara Franklin, passed away from a heart attack, leaving the young singer and her five siblings to be cared for by other relatives. (Photo Credit: Getty Images) Then, when Aretha was a mere 12 years old, she gave birth to her first child, son Clarence Franklin, in January 1955. According to reports, Clarence's father was Donald Burk, a boy that Aretha knew from school. At age 14, Aretha welcomed her second child, son Edward Franklin, with Edward Jordan. "She had a tough childhood.
- 8/17/2018
- by Julia Birkinbine
- Closer Weekly
A first Trailer just dropped for Laura Hypponen's "Quadraturin" starring Jeff Fahey (Lost, Miami Vice, Machete), Branko Tomovic (24: Live Another Day, Fury, Red), Olga Fedori (Wolfman, Skins, Holby City), Neil Bell (Dead Man’s Shoes, Peaky Blinders) and Edward Franklin (Doctor Thorne). It's a darkly comical fantasy film inspired by the Soviet author Sigizmund Krzhizhanovsky's long-banned short story from 1926 and tells the story of Sutulin, a young ordinary man living in a tiny room in a communal Soviet apartment, who is visited by a mysterious stranger offering him an opportunity to try out 'Quadraturin' - a miracle product that promises to enlarge interior spaces. Sutulin takes up the offer - with surprising consequences... Watch the trailer below! Quadraturin has just picked up a distribution...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 10/12/2017
- Screen Anarchy
We recently sat down with the exciting and award winning director Laura Hypponen, who is currently shooting "Quadraturin" starring Jeff Fahey (Lost, Miami Vice, Machete), Branko Tomovic (24: Live Another Day, Fury, Red), Olga Fedori (Wolfman, Skins, Holby City), Neil Bell (Dead Man’s Shoes, Peaky Blinders) and Edward Franklin (Doctor Thorne). It's a darkly comical fantasy film inspired by the Soviet author Sigizmund Krzhizhanovsky's long-banned short story from 1926 and tells the story of Sutulin, a young ordinary man living in a tiny room in a communal Soviet apartment, who is visited by a mysterious stranger offering him an opportunity to try out 'Quadraturin' - a miracle product that promises to enlarge interior spaces. Sutulin takes up the offer - with surprising consequences... Can you tell...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 11/8/2016
- Screen Anarchy
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