The Four Sons Of The Queen Of Soul: Where Are Aretha Franklin's Children Now And Who Won The $80 Million Estate Battle?

The legacy of Aretha Franklin, the undisputed Queen of Soul, continues to resonate globally, but her private life—specifically the lives of her four sons—has been the subject of intense public curiosity and a protracted legal saga since her passing in 2018. As of December 2025, the most recent and significant development has been the dramatic conclusion of the family’s estate battle, finally bringing clarity to the distribution of her multi-million dollar fortune and her properties. This article provides an in-depth, current look at Clarence, Edward, Ted White Jr. (Teddy Richards), and Kecalf, detailing their current endeavors, their roles in their mother’s life, and the surprising final ruling that determined their inheritance. The story of Aretha Franklin’s children is one of music, complex family dynamics, and a fight for R-E-S-P-E-C-T—both for their mother's name and their own identities. The four sons, born between 1955 and 1970, each inherited a piece of their mother's musical talent and her tumultuous history.

Aretha Franklin's Children: A Complete Biography and Profile

Aretha Franklin was a mother of four sons, all of whom have inherited her deep connection to music. Unlike many celebrity families, the details of their early lives were often kept private, making their current stories even more compelling.

• Clarence Franklin
  • Date of Birth: 1955
  • Father: Edward Jordan (Though his paternity is disputed, he was named after Aretha's father, C.L. Franklin).
  • Current Status: Eldest son, born when Aretha was 12. He has special needs and lives under a court-appointed legal guardianship. He was not a direct participant in the recent will contest.
• Edward Derone Franklin
  • Date of Birth: January 22, 1957
  • Father: Edward Jordan
  • Current Status: A musician and gospel singer who has performed at various family and public events, including his mother's funeral. He was a key figure in the legal proceedings over the estate.
• Ted White Jr. (Professionally known as Teddy Richards)
  • Date of Birth: 1964
  • Father: Ted White Sr. (Aretha Franklin's first husband and manager).
  • Current Status: An accomplished professional guitarist, singer, and producer. He toured and performed as a guitarist in his mother's band for over 30 years. He now focuses on his solo career as a blues and soul artist, often referred to as the "Duke of Song."
• Kecalf Cunningham
  • Date of Birth: March 28, 1970
  • Father: Ken Cunningham (Aretha Franklin's road manager).
  • Current Status: Youngest son, a gospel songwriter, singer, and rapper. He and his children—Aretha's only grandchildren—were central to the final estate ruling.

The Shocking Conclusion of the $80 Million Estate Battle

For years after the Queen of Soul’s passing, her estate, initially estimated to be worth upwards of $80 million, was tied up in a bitter legal dispute. The core of the controversy was the validity of two handwritten documents found in her home—one from 2010, found in a locked cabinet, and a later one from 2014, shockingly discovered tucked inside a sofa cushion. The absence of a formal, legally executed will created a complex probate nightmare.

The legal saga pitted brother against brother, with Edward Franklin and Kecalf Cunningham arguing for the validity of the 2014 document, while Ted White Jr. favored the 2010 version. The fate of the singer's fortune, her extensive real estate portfolio, and her intellectual property hung in the balance. This high-stakes case became a cautionary tale in celebrity estate planning, underscoring the necessity of a clear, formal last will and testament.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

In a landmark decision that made headlines, a Michigan jury ruled in favor of the 2014 handwritten will found in the sofa. This verdict, a major win for Kecalf and Edward, determined the final distribution of Aretha Franklin's assets.

The Final Distribution: Who Inherited What?

The 2014 will outlined a specific distribution of the singer's properties, which the court ultimately upheld. This ruling provided a clear path forward for the family, settling years of uncertainty. The key outcomes of the final distribution include:

• The Bloomfield Hills Mansion: The most significant asset, the main home in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, was awarded to Kecalf Cunningham and his children (Aretha's only grandchildren). This was a major point of contention and a huge victory for the youngest son.
• Support for Clarence Franklin: The ruling requires the three younger brothers—Edward, Teddy, and Kecalf—to provide financial support for their eldest brother, Clarence Franklin, who requires special care and lives under legal guardianship.
• Equal Division of Assets: The remainder of the estate's value, including music royalties, cash, and other properties, is to be divided equally among the four sons, as outlined in the 2014 document. The estate has also successfully settled its long-standing tax issues with the IRS.

The Musical Path of Aretha Franklin’s Sons and Grandchildren

It is no surprise that all of Aretha Franklin’s children and grandchildren have inherited the musical gene of the Queen of Soul. Their careers in music are a testament to her enduring influence, though they each strive to forge their own path outside of her monumental shadow.

• The One Where They Tanked Jokes 15 Shocking New Secrets From The Friends Tv Show Behind The Scenes G9zdh

Teddy Richards: The Guitarist Who Found His Own Voice

The third son, Ted White Jr., known professionally as Teddy Richards, has arguably the most established solo career. After spending three decades as a gifted guitarist in his mother's touring band, Richards has stepped into the spotlight as a singer-songwriter. He is a multi-talented artist, producer, and musician whose work spans blues, soul, and rock. His discography includes albums and songs like "Naked" and "Cleveland," reflecting his desire to be recognized as an artist in his own right, separate from his famous parentage. Richards’ dedication to his craft ensures the Franklin musical legacy continues through a different, but equally soulful, lens.

Kecalf Cunningham: Gospel and Rap

The youngest son, Kecalf Cunningham, is a gospel songwriter, singer, and rapper. Kecalf’s musical style is a blend of traditional gospel and contemporary sounds, showcasing a modern interpretation of the soulful roots of his family. He has been a vocal protector of his mother’s legacy and was instrumental in the legal battle that secured the family's properties. His wife and children, Aretha’s only grandchildren, are also deeply involved in music, carrying the torch into the next generation.

The Next Generation: Jordan, Victorie, and Grace Franklin

The family’s musical future is brightened by Aretha Franklin’s three grandchildren, all children of Kecalf: Jordan Franklin, Victorie Franklin, and Grace Franklin. These young artists are actively pursuing their own careers, with Grace Franklin having already gained some public attention for her powerful vocal performances. Their talent confirms that the soulful power and musical genius of the Franklin family will continue to shape the industry for decades to come, ensuring the Queen of Soul’s spirit lives on through her descendants.

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e