CNN —
The panel deliberating on how to divide Aretha Franklin's wealth on Tuesday came to the conclusion that the version of her will from 2014 should be considered the official one.
Jurors ruled that a handwritten will that was signed by the late singer in 2014 and does reflect her desire was located under a sofa cushion by Franklin's niece after the singer passed away after nearly an hour of deliberation.
There were two distinct wills at the center of the legal argument.
Ted White II supported the 2010 document but two of her sons, Kecalf Franklin and Edward Franklin, wanted the paper dated March 31, 2014 to be recognized as her legal will.
Clarence Franklin, the fourth son of Franklin, has special needs, is guarded by the law, and was not involved in the case.
Aretha Franklin's Grammy-winning songs 02:24 CNN, as a source
In his testimony on Monday, Kecalf Franklin expressed his belief that the signature on the 2014 paper is legitimate, particularly given the presence of the smiley face "characteristic" of Franklin's signature.
She's speaking from the grave, folks: "This is my will," the opening few lines of the document, said Edward Franklin's lawyer Craig Smith.
During closing arguments of a jury trial concerning Aretha Franklin's estate, attorney Craig Smith displayed an enlarged copy of a 2014 document.
During closing arguments of a jury trial concerning Aretha Franklin's estate, attorney Craig Smith displayed an enlarged copy of a 2014 document.
Detroit Free Press/USA Today Network; Sarahbeth Maney
Smith talked about royalties resulting from the Queen of Soul's well-known songs during his closing statements.
Now, he remarked, "We might all die from global warming, but if we're still here, I think they'll be playing 'Respect' in 300 years."
Kurt Olson, the attorney for White, claimed that since the 2010 paper was discovered in a cabinet where Franklin kept her "important documents," it was "intended" to be Franklin's will.
Cancer claimed Franklin's life in 2018.
