Aretha Franklin didn't have a will — and she's not the only celebrity

By InvestmentNews

Aretha Franklin isn't the only celebrity who didn’t have a will or testament documents when they died. She is just the most recent example.

In the cases of these celebrities, legal battles lasted decades over who was involved in the celebrities’ estates, and how their assets were managed.

Prince

Because Prince failed to leave a will behind when he died from a drug overdose in 2016, the wishes he had for his music were ignored, according to a Bloomberg News story.

Amy Winehouse

The English singer and songwriter did not have a will when she died in 2011, according to Forbes. The money went to her parents.

Sonny Bono

The former "The Beat Goes On" singer did not have a will when he died in a skiing accident, according to a 1999 People article. A man claimed to be the singer-turned-congressman’s son after his death, the publication reported.

Bob Marley

Even though this iconic singer knew he had cancer, he too never had a will, according to Forbes. And as is the case with many other celebrities’ estates, court battles went on for years following his death in 1981.

Howard Hughes

Mr. Hughes’ estate was first divided among his relatives, when he died in 1976 with no will, according to the Wall Street Journal but that number rose to more than 1,000 people by 2009.

Jimi Hendrix

The late guitarist died intestate, or without a will, in 1970, according to a 2004 New York Times story. Battles over his estate lasted for more than three decades.

Martin Luther King Jr.

Legal feuds continued for years after the civil rights activist was assassinated in 1968. He did not have a will, according to Reuters. His wife and four children received inheritances, but feuds subsequently erupted over what to do with his Nobel Peace Prize and bible.

Abraham Lincoln

No will was found for the 16th president of the United States and lawyer, Abraham Lincoln, before his assassination, according to Forbes. His estate was later divided between his wife and two children.

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