The Houston Hoops: Who Got What After Bobbi Kristina's Farewell Tour?
Whitney Houston's voice could soar through octaves, but managing her millions? Not so much. So, when her only daughter, Bobbi Kristina, tragically passed away, the question of the Houston loot loomed larger than Dolly Parton's hair. Buckle up, because this story is about to get twisty-er than a Whitney ballad after a few too many high notes.
The Not-So-Secret Will: Enter Bobbi Kris
Whitney did have a will, bless her organized heart. Now, some folks say her estate planning could have been sung by a tone-deaf accountant, but hey, at least there was a plan! The main clause said that if Bobbi Kristina (affectionately nicknamed Bobbi Kris by the tabloids) kicked the bucket before her momma, the whole shebang - fortune, fame, questionable fashion choices - would go to her. Seems simple, right? Wrong. Honey, this is Hollywood, where drama is as essential as oxygen.
Who's That Guy? The Nick Gordon Debacle
Bobbi Kris, like her mom, had a complicated relationship department. Enter Nick Gordon, a childhood friend who...well, let's just say their dynamic was more "I Will Always Love You" and less "Can't Buy Me Love." Some folks thought they were married, others said they were just playing house (with a very expensive mortgage). This whole "are they/aren't they" situation became a legal nightmare when Bobbi Kris passed away. Nick, ever the charmer, tried to claim his "marital" share of the estate. Spoiler alert: it didn't work. Turns out, love don't cost a thing, but faking marriage to inherit millions does. The courts shut Nick down faster than you can say "bad boy."
Houston, We Have a New Beneficiary!
Thankfully, Whitney's will had a backup plan. Remember that bit about Bobbi Kris not having a spouse or kids? Yeah, that came into play. In came Whitney's momma, Cissy Houston, and her two brothers. Now, imagine this family meeting: Cissy belting out a high C while reminding everyone she practically invented Whitney's voice, and the brothers arguing over who gets the mansion with the most chandeliers. Dramatic? Absolutely. But hey, at least the estate stayed in the family (mostly).
The Plot Thickens: The Rise of the Houston Inc.
Fast forward to today, and the Houston estate is, well, interesting. Whitney's sister-in-law, Pat Houston (who also happened to be her manager), is running the show. They've made some smart deals, including a biopic (because what celebrity doesn't get one these days?) and a whole lot of merchandise. So, while Whitney's fortune might not be what it once was, it's definitely not going down the drain - unlike some of her iconic hairstyles.
The Enduring Legacy
So, there you have it. The story of the Houston estate is a cautionary tale about good intentions, bad planning, and whole lot of family drama. But through it all, Whitney's voice and legacy live on. And hey, at least we can all (hopefully) learn a thing or two about estate planning from this whole rollercoaster ride. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a sudden urge to rewatch "The Bodyguard" and belt out "I Will Always Love You" at the top of my lungs.
