Aretha News Round-Up: No Will or Trust, Congressional Gold Medal

We’re going to say a little prayer that the division of the late Aretha Franklin’s assets doesn’t get ugly.

The Detroit Free Press is reporting that on Tuesday (August 21), Franklin’s four sons filed paperwork in Michigan’s Oakland County Probate Court as “interested parties in her estate,” because she did not set up a will or trust before her passing.  Another family member, niece Sabrina Owens, has petitioned to be named “personal representative” of Franklin’s estate.

The Detroit Free Press noted that in the state of Michigan, if a deceased individual is unmarried and doesn’t leave a will, assets will be divided equally among children.

So, how much is Franklin’s estate worth?  Her longtime attorney Don Wilson said The Queen of Soul actually owns her original compositions which include major hits like “Rock Steady” and “Think.”

Like we said...say a little prayer.

In other Franklin news:  Billboard reports that a bill was introduced by Democratic Sen. Kamala Harris of California and Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah to award Franklin the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honor Congress can bestow on a citizen.  

At least there’s something both side of the political aisle can agree upon!

Finally, the Detroit Tigers paid tribute to Franklin last night (August 21) with a moment of silence, and during the tribute, a rainbow appeared over the Tigers’ scoreboard.  Since we live in a “pics or it didn’t happen world,” the Tigers’ official Twitter was sure to share the moment.

Erica Banas is a rock/classic rock blogger that loves the smell of old vinyl in the morning.