Jury Validates Handwritten Will Found in Aretha Franklin's Couch

A jury in Michigan has ruled that a handwritten note found under the couch cushion of the late soul singer Aretha Franklin is a valid will. The note, dated 2014, was discovered by Franklin's niece and has sparked a dispute between her sons. Two of Franklin's sons argued that the 2014 note should override a separate will written in 2010, while their brother argued in favor of the 2010 will. The 2014 note entitles Franklin's grandchildren and one of her sons to her home, while both versions allow her sons to benefit from music royalties and copyrights. The jury concluded that the 2014 note was valid based on Franklin's signature and a smiley face written inside the letter "A."