Aretha Franklin leaves behind $80 million dollars estate without a will

Soul music legend Aretha Franklin died on Thursday, August 18 at her home in Detroit after a lengthy illness. Her publicist said in a statement that she succumbed to her battle with pancreatic cancer surrounded by her family and friends.

According to court documents obtained by local media, the iconic soul singer died intestate, meaning she had no will at the time of death. Many reports speculate that the soul singer died intestate because she did not see the end coming and would have written a will.

Aretha Franklin died in Michigan and according to the laws of the state, her estimated $80 million dollars estate will be shared equally among her four children. She has a special needs son named Clarence who needs financial and other forms of support for his entire life.

According to the late singer’s publicists, Gwendolyn Quinn, the funeral will be held at the Greater Grace Temple. It will only be open to Franklin’s family and friends. Aretha Franklin will be buried at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Detroit, near her father Rev. C.L. Franklin; sisters Carolyn Franklin and Erma Franklin; brother Cecil Franklin; and nephew Thomas Garrett.

The public will be able to view Aretha between August 28 and 29 at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. Time is 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Since her passing, tributes to the Queen of Soul are still flowing as many fans recall moments with the iconic singer.