logo

Aretha Franklin's lawyer opens up on why singer left no will for her reported $80 million estate

Cheryl Kahla
Sep 06, 2018
11:30 A.M.

The legendary Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, passed away without a will to her $80 million estates.

Advertisement

Earlier this week, her lawyer Don Wilson told the press that he had tried throughout the years to convince Franklin to draw up a will and trust.

Wilson believes that she just never got around to it because she never explicitly told him that she doesn't want a will.

"She understood the need. It just didn’t seem to be something she got around to."

Advertisement

Read more on our Twitter account, @amomama_usa.

Without a will, her four sons – Clarence, Edward, Kecalf and Ted White Jr. – will divide her estate up equally among them.

However, the process could take years even when there are no signs of conflict amongst family members.

While she owned most of her songs, royalties of some of her tracks must go towards other writers and performers she collaborated with.

Advertisement

Franklin also owns property in Detroit estimated to be worth $2 million, but the market values of those properties could be more than that.

Due to the absence of a will, the IRS is required by law to conduct an audit.

Franklin lost the battle to pancreatic cancer on August 16. Her body could be viewed at the New Bethel Baptist Church in the days leading up to her funeral service.

Advertisement

The Queen of Soul was dressed in three different outfits throughout the week, and former Bill Clinton said he was glad the casket was still open when he arrived. He explained:

"Because I said, 'I wonder what my friend’s got on today. I wanna see what the girl is carrying out.'"

On a serious note, he also added that he had been a fan of Franklin's since his college days and that she lived her life with courage.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

My In-Laws Started 'Forgetting' to Take Their Wallets to Restaurants since I Got My Inheritance

March 15, 2024

My In-Laws Started 'Forgetting' to Take Their Wallets to Restaurants since I Got My Inheritance

January 11, 2024

Prince William Attends BAFTAs for the 1st Time without Wife — His ‘Tired’ Look Worries the Public

February 19, 2024

‘I’m Sorry’: Prince William Gave a Rare Comment on Ailing Wife Catherine at the Baftas

February 22, 2024

‘I’m Sorry’: Prince William Gave a Rare Comment on Ailing Wife Catherine at the Baftas

February 21, 2024

Am I Wrong to Send My Son's Stepdad a Christmas Card with Medical Bill Inside?

December 22, 2023

King Charles Steps Out for the First Time since Leaving the Hospital — Photo

February 05, 2024

Prince Harry Chose ‘Not to Be in the Same Room with His Stepmother’ While Visiting His Ailing Father, Her Friend Claims

February 15, 2024

Prince Harry Chose ‘Not to Be in the Same Room with His Stepmother’ While Visiting His Ailing Father, Her Friend Claims

February 14, 2024

Prince William Speaks Out for the 1st Time on His Wife & Dad's Health Issues — The Public Sends Prayers

February 08, 2024

Prince Harry Seen at Las Vegas Event after Visiting Ailing Father, King Charles, Sparking a Heated Stir

February 09, 2024

King Charles Spotted at Church with Reverend after Cancer Diagnosis — Photos

February 11, 2024

‘Who Is Prince William’s +1?’: Pics of Prince William Sitting with a Woman at Event Dinner Spark Debate

February 14, 2024

‘Who Is Prince William’s +1?’: Pics of Prince William Sitting with a Woman at Event Dinner Spark Debate

February 12, 2024