Whitney Houston's Estate: From I Will Always Love You to You Owe Me
Whitney Houston, the undisputed queen of belting ballads, left behind a voice for the ages... and a whole lotta cash. But what happened to that mountain of money after her tragic passing in 2012? Buckle up, because things get a little more dramatic than a Dolly Parton wig after a windstorm.
Enter Bobbi Kristina: The Heir Apparent (or Not So Apparent)
Whitney's only daughter, Bobbi Kristina, was naturally the primary inheritor. But here's where things get Dynasty-level twisty. Whitney's will set up a trust fund for Bobbi Kristina, meaning she wouldn't get everything at once. Think of it like a financial stripper pole – gotta work your way up to the big bucks, honey! The plan was for Bobbi Kristina to receive a chunk of the change at 25, with the rest trickling in by her 30th birthday.
But Then... Tragedy Strikes (and the Lawsuits Start Flying)
Sadly, Bobbi Kristina's life was cut tragically short in 2015. Now, here comes the plot twist that would make M. Night Shyamalan proud: Whitney's will stipulated that if Bobbi Kristina died without a will of her own (which she apparently didn't have), the remaining estate would go to Whitney's mother, Cissy Houston, and her two brothers. Cue the lawyer dance party! Bobbi Kristina's boyfriend at the time, Nick Gordon (yes, the one who shared a name with her dad, because why not add more confusion?), tried to stake his claim, but a judge ruled against him faster than you can say "bad idea."
So Who Ended Up With the Money?
With Nick Gordon out of the picture, Whitney's millions went to Cissy Houston and her sons. Now, some folks say Whitney's estate plan could have been better. Maybe a more complex trust or some clearer instructions? But hey, hindsight is 20/20, and Whitney probably wasn't planning on her daughter dying young (understandably).
The Legacy Lives On (and Makes Money)
Fast forward to today, and Whitney Houston's estate is still bringing in the big bucks. Her music continues to sell, there have been biopics and documentaries, and let's not forget the merch machine. Whitney Houston t-shirts, phone cases, even oven mitts (because nothing says "I Will Always Love You" like burning yourself while baking cookies).
So, there you have it! The story of Whitney Houston's estate is a cautionary tale of estate planning (get a will, people!), a dash of family drama, and a whole lot of belting (in spirit, at least).
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