Aretha may have wanted R-E-S-P-E-C-T, but instead got I-N-T-E-S-T-A-T-E. According to reporting by CNN, Aretha Franklin died without a Will or Trust. This made me Think. An icon, a diva a woman who is Young, Gifted and Black, dying intestate is incredible (intestacy means that the State will determine who is in charge and the distribution of the assets). This is somewhat surprising, in some Respect, since there Ain’t No Way a legend would have neglected this important part of her legacy. But you are not Day Dreaming, the Natural Woman did not listen to the advice of her attorneys. Her attorneys tried to build that Bridge Over Troubled Water, and get her to get her wishes in writing. But Aretha was Rock Steady, and kept putting them off. Now her four children have to be Willing to Forgive, and file a probate in Michigan. It may work out, and I Say a Little Prayer that it does, but any time any estate is in court, you are not in control – it is up to the State.

https://www.cnn.com/2018/08/22/entertainment/aretha-franklin-will/index.html