Barack Obama is trying to get his hands on Aretha Franklin's inauguration hat
We're guessing former president Barack Obama is a man with many great possessions.
He's the owner of a chic customised bomber jacket, a mansion in Washington DC, and has previously received extravagant gifts such as Cuban cigars from former leader Raul Castro,
But one thing the 44th president of the United States really wants is a hat worn by legendary soul singer Aretha Franklin.
The 'I Say A Little Prayer' singer passed away last August, aged 76, after an illness with cancer.
It was revealed shortly after that Franklin had died without leaving a will, leaving her family to divvy up her assets between them. However, three months ago, some handwritten documents were found among her possessions which allegedly details some of her wishes, regarding her belongings and music royalties, for when she passed away.
The New York Times reported on Wednesday that the claiming of assets has turned somewhat ugly, involving courts and family squabbles, while executors decide on the inheritance.
Among the battle for inheritance and money, the newspaper reported that a judge recently considered whether 'to allow a distribution of some personal items as keepsakes to the sons but also to people like Barack Obama, who has asked for the elaborate silver bow hat that Franklin wore to his first inauguration'.
The singer performed a rousing rendition of 'America (My Country 'Tis Of Thee)' in the historical 2008 ceremony. The memorable hat, which was grey in colour and adorned with a giant, Swarovski crystal-studded bow, was crafted by Mr Song Millinery and became a viral hit.
Obama and First Lady Michelle were known to be avid fans of Franklin's music. Upon her death, the couple issued a poignant statement, crediting Franklin with helping to 'define the American experience'.
'She helped us feel more connected to each other, more hopeful, more human,' the statement said. 'And sometimes, she helped us just forget about everything else and dance.'
When Franklin performed 'You Make Me Feel (Like A Natural Woman)' at the annual Kennedy Centre Honours in 2015, Obama was seen in the audience shedding a tear to the moving performance.
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