Who Inherited Sonny Bono’s Money? A Tale of Estate Planning Gone Wrong (and a Whole Lot of Drama)
Remember Sonny Bono? The guy who had a hit song with his ex-wife Cher, went on to become a politician, and, well, tragically died in a skiing accident in 1998?
You might be wondering: Who inherited Sonny’s fortune? That’s a question that’s been swirling around like a disco ball at a Sonny & Cher reunion.
The Short Answer: Sonny Bono died without a will. That’s right, no legal document outlining his wishes for his money and assets. So, the answer to who inherited his dough is a bit complicated, involving a mix of family, legal battles, and a whole lot of “what ifs.”
Let’s Break It Down:
- Sonny Bono’s Estate: Turns out, Sonny was worth a cool $4 million. Not bad for a guy who built a career out of singing about “I Got You Babe.”
- The Spouse: At the time of his death, Sonny was married to Mary Bono. Mary, bless her heart, wasn’t automatically named the executor of his estate because there was no will. This meant a drawn-out legal process to sort everything out.
- The Children: Sonny had two children from previous marriages: Chaz Bono (born Chastity) and Christy Bono Fasce. Yep, those kids from “The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour” grew up and became, well, themselves.
So, who got what?
The estate was eventually divided between Mary Bono and his two children. But it wasn’t exactly a smooth process. There were legal battles, accusations, and, of course, a whole lot of drama.
Sonny Bono’s Estate Planning Fail
Let’s talk about Sonny’s estate planning, or lack thereof. This is a story that could have been ripped straight out of a soap opera.
- No Will: Sonny died without a will, which is a big no-no in the estate planning world. It’s like leaving a party without saying goodbye and expecting everyone to know where you went – it just doesn’t work.
- Probate Court: Since there was no will, Sonny’s estate went into probate court. This is like playing a game of “who gets what” with a whole lot of legal jargon and a judge as the referee.
- Cher’s Royalties: Cher, Sonny’s ex-wife, had her own tangled web with Sonny’s estate. She filed a lawsuit over royalties from their hit songs. It’s like a “who owns the rights to ‘I Got You Babe’?” showdown, with lawyers playing the role of the feuding families.
What Could Have Been
Imagine Sonny had a will. He could have avoided all the legal drama and ensured that his money went where he wanted it to go. It’s a lesson in estate planning that’s as important as remembering to wear sunscreen on a sunny day.
Sonny’s Legacy (and a Few Lessons)
Sonny Bono’s legacy is a mixed bag. He’s remembered for his music, his political career, and, unfortunately, his lack of estate planning.
Here’s what we can learn from Sonny’s story:
- Estate Planning is Crucial: No matter how much money you have, it’s important to have a will. It’s like having a roadmap for your finances after you’re gone.
- Be Clear and Specific: Don’t be vague in your will. Specify exactly how you want your assets to be distributed.
- Choose Your Executor Wisely: Your executor is the person responsible for handling your estate. Choose someone you trust and who has the time and skills to manage your affairs.
Bottom line: Sonny Bono’s story serves as a reminder that even celebrities are not immune to the pitfalls of bad estate planning. So, if you haven’t already, make a plan for your estate. You might not be a pop star, but you can still avoid a disco ball of legal drama.
Bonus Fun Fact: Sonny Bono was known for his catchphrase, “Part of the solution, not part of the problem.” Maybe he should have added, “And definitely have a will!”
This story truly is a testament to the power of estate planning, or rather, the lack thereof. So, if you’re reading this and haven’t gotten around to making a will, maybe Sonny’s legacy can be your motivation to get your affairs in order. You don’t want your family to be left singing a sad song about “I Got You Babe, but Not the Money.”
