Aretha Franklin's Son, Kecalf, Breaks Silence Following Victory in Estate Dispute

Aretha Franklin's sons win dispute over her estate in court.

Aretha Franklin's son, Kecalf Franklin, is speaking out following a jury's decision in favor of him and his brother, Edward Franklin, in the dispute over their late mother's estate. The jury ruled that a 2014 will, handwritten by Aretha Franklin herself, will be considered the official document for the distribution of her estate. This verdict is a victory for Kecalf and Edward, who believed that the 2014 document, found under a sofa cushion and signed by their mother before her death in 2018, should be recognized.

On the other hand, another one of Aretha Franklin's sons, Ted White II, argued that a 2010 document should have been considered the official will. However, the jury's decision supports the use of the 2014 will. After the verdict was announced, Kecalf expressed his happiness, stating that he simply wanted his mother's wishes to be respected. He also mentioned that it has been a long five years for his family and children, and they are relieved to finally have closure.

When Aretha Franklin passed away at the age of 76 in 2018 from pancreatic cancer, it was initially believed that she did not have a will. However, in 2019, the two documents were discovered in her Michigan home. The 2010 will would have appointed Ted as a co-executor of the estate, while the 2014 will named Kecalf and Franklin's niece, Sabrina Owens, as co-executors.

During the closing arguments, Kecalf's lawyer emphasized that the location of where the 2014 will was found does not affect its validity. He compared it to leaving a will on the kitchen counter, stating that it would still be considered a valid document. Edward's lawyer also highlighted the opening line of the will, which he interpreted as Aretha Franklin speaking from beyond the grave.

This legal battle over Aretha Franklin's estate has finally come to an end with the jury's decision in favor of the 2014 will. The ruling brings closure to the family after years of uncertainty and allows them to move forward. Aretha Franklin's legacy as the Queen of Soul lives on, and her children can now honor her wishes as outlined in her official will.

Share With Others