Examples of Famous people Wills
Linda McCartney Will (1942-1998)
On her death in April 1998, Linda McCartney, a crusader for animal rights and vegetarianism, left her substantial fortune to her husband Paul, the former Beatle. Linda McCartney set up a trust that makes her estate virtually exempt from taxes.
John F. Kennedy, Jr. Will (1960-1999)
John F. Kennedy, Jr. planned to leave the majority of his possessions to his spouse, Caroline Bassett-Kennedy, or their children. But unfortunately, John and Caroline tragecally died in a plane crash. However, they didn't have any children, so his property was inherited by the children of his sister, Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg. Most of his estate was distributed among the beneficiaries of a trust he created in 1983. Kennedy also left the scrimshaw (carved whale ivory) once owned by his father to his nephew John O.K.. Schlossberg. Kennedy's cousin, Timothy P. Shriver was named the executor of the wills. Kennedy's estate was reportedly worth $100 million at the time.
Joe DiMaggio Will (1914-1999)
According to his will, "The Yankee Clipper" set up trusts for Joseph Jr., his grandchildren Katherine and Paula, and his great-grandchildren, Kendall and Mitchell Stein, and Valerie and Vanessa Harm. The Steins received $250,000 each, while the Harms received $500,000 each. The remainder of DiMaggio's estate was divided among his son and his two grandchildren.
Diana, Princess of Wales Will (1961-1997)
When Princess Diana died tragically on August 31, 1997 she left behind a 21.5 million pound (approximately $35 million) fortune, most of which was bequeathed to her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry. The inheritance will be held in trust for the two princes until they reach the age of 30. In her will made public on March 2, 1998, Diana also left 50,000 pounds to her former butler, Paul Burrell, and set aside personal moment for her 17 godchildren.
Marilyn Monroe Will (1926-1962)
The legendary sex symbol, who tragically committed suicide in 1962, left most of her fortune to her friends and family.
Warren Burger Will (1907-1995)
The former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court left behind a self-written, 176-word will. He gave his entire estate to his two children. But he failed to give any power to his executors and made no provisions for estate taxes. These apparent oversights will cost the estate thousands of dollars.
Doris Duke Will (1913-1993)
The $1.2-billion estate of the tobacco heiress was a subject of litigation. Two co-executors to Duke's estate were ordered out by a New York judge. The court found Duke's butler Bernard Lafferty had been wasting the estate to pay for his "squandering style of life" and that the United States Trust Company was not able to slow down Lafferty in his spending spree.
Jerry Garcia Will (1942-1995)
The Grateful Dead leader was an icon of counterculture. He left a last will that included his family and friends, as well as giving away personal mementos such as his guitars.
Harry Helmsmen Will
Harry B. Helmsmen was a New York real estate billionaire who owned the Empire State Building as well as some of New York City’s most luxurious hotels. He died on January 4, 1997, with an estate that was estimated to be $1.7 billion. Helmsmen named Leona Helmsmen as the executor of his will and the sole heiress of his estate, with the exception of a bequest to a secretary.
David Packard Will (1912-1996)
Hewlett-Packard's co-founder left most of his assets, valued at $6.6 billion to the charity foundation named after him and his wife. The David and Lucille Packard Foundation became one of the wealthiest charities in the world through this transfer of assets.
"Shoeless" Joe Jackson Will (1889-1951)
Because of his involvement in the 1919 World Series "Black Sox Scandal", this legendary baseball player was forever banned from the sport. In 1995, his will was subject to litigation when two charities that were beneficiaries of his estate sued to acquire the original will due to its value for collectors of sports memorabilia.
John Lennon Will (1940-1980)
The Beatles' singer, songwriter, and guitarist, who sang "imagine no possessions" in the popular hit "Imagine," left most of his property to an estate controlled by his wife, Yoko Ono.
Richard Nixon Will (1913-1994)
The only president to resign from office gave specific instructions for the handling and disposal of personal notes and records.
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Will (1929-1994)
As the first lady, Onassis planned the restoration of the White House and urged Congress to declare it a national museum. The art and personal possessions she collected have fetched large sums in recent years at celebrity auctions.
Elvis Presley Will (1935-1977)
Known as "The King," Presley sold more than 45 million records and starred in 33 motion pictured. He left much of his vast fortune to members of his family.
Babe Ruth Will (1895-1948)
"The Sultan of Swat" was raised in an institution for children with limited means. Ruth, who was the most famous home run hitter, became a nationwide figure. Ruth was well-known for his charitable acts. He once said he would hit a homer to help a sick child in need. One year before his death, he founded and endowed the Babe Ruth Foundation for homeless kids.