Wills of the rich and famous

Wills of the Rich and Famous

The details of a person’s will often provide insight into their true feelings about who they trusted and, in some instances, offer a way to settle a score. Find out who left millions to their pet, bequeathed money to an ex-lover and more in this list of fascinating and quirky wills of the rich and famous.


Elizabeth Edwards
July 3, 1949 – Dec. 7, 2010

The will of attorney and health care activist Elizabeth Edwards omitted her famous estranged husband. Find out who she named executor of her estate just six days before her passing.


Leona Helmsley
July 4, 1920 – August 20, 2007

Billionaire New York hotelier Leona Helmsley famously left a staggering amount to a non-family member. Living up to her nickname, some family members were left nothing. Helmsley also took care to ensure she and her beneficiary would be near each other even after death.

Janis Joplin
Jan. 19, 1943 – Oct. 4, 1970

Singing legend Janis Joplin wanted people to keep partying after she passed. Find out what she did. An Academy Award nominated actress has been tapped to play the raspy-voiced crooner in an upcoming film

Michael Jackson
August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009

Michael Jackson, one of the most commercially successful entertainers of all time, cut someone out of his will. He left his three children in the care of a family member. One very important detail was left out of Jackson’s will. His estate was placed into a family trust.

Anna Nicole Smith
Nov. 28, 1967 – Feb. 8, 2007

Former Playboy model and reality TV star Anna Nicole Smith left her entire estate to her late son and named her then-boyfriend executor. The will didn’t mention Smith's daughter, Dannielynn.

The now nearly 4-year-old Dannielynn is not entitled to a single penny from Smith's husband, oil tycoon J. Howard Marshall, a court ruled last year.

Murky language in the will lead to a battle over Smith’s final resting place, the true father of her child and who stood to inherit from her death.

Princess Diana
July 1, 1961 – August 31, 1997

The last will and testament of England’s beloved Princess Diana, perplexed many by leaving a substantial sum to her butler.

She bequeathed nearly her entire estate to her two sons, one of whom is recently engaged.

Marilyn Monroe

Hollywood bombshell Marilyn Monroe left a fellow actor her personal effects to be distributed among her friends. What did he do with the items instead?

A decision was handed down in 2008 that could cost her estate millions after a battle over her residency determined Norma Jeane lived in New York at the time of her death.

Her Brentwood, California home was sold last year.

John F. Kennedy
May 29, 1917 – Nov. 22, 1963

One of the United States’ most popular presidents, John F. Kennedy, left his wife Jackie Kennedy a surprisingly small amount of cash


Babe Ruth
February 6, 1895 – August 16, 1948

Baseball legend Babe Ruth left a long list of his possessions to his wife, Clara May Ruth. “The Great Bambino” left his wife and two daughters a modest sum compared to the amount he bequeathed his sister.


Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
July 28, 1929 – May 19, 1994

Former FLOTUS and style icon Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis did not name any of her children as executors of her will. Who got the job?

Kennedy Onassis’ children, Caroline and John, were left with the bulk of her estate, which included a New York City apartment and special instructions.

Frank Sinatra

Though a surprising clause in Frank Sinatra’s will suggests tension among family members, Ol’ Blue Eyes to his ex-wife and their three children.

Sinatra’s gifts extended beyond his family including to a long-time friend and owner of his favorite restaurant.


Farrah Fawcett
Feb. 2, 1947 – June 25, 2009

Former “Charlie’s Angels” star Farrah Fawcett  shocked the public when it was revealed she left ex-boyfriend Gregory Lott a sum of money  and completely cut out her long-time partner and the father of her child.