Dying without a will does not seem like a smart thing to do, especially for a man with considerable resources at his command. But he, at least, is dead – whilst the living are left to fight over the precious cash.
The Minnesota judge overseeing the allocation of the estate of the late musical icon Prince has weeded out numerous pretenders to his estate, leaving out his immediate family.
The singer died without any children or leaving a will in April this year, and thus the case falls on the court to adjudicate and decide who gets what.
Many people have come forward since the case started with many claims to Prince, some claiming to be long lost children or long lost loves.
As many as thirty of these people have had their cases thrown out, and the judge has ordered DNA testing for his six closest family members who are believed to have the strongest claims.
These include Prince’s sister, Tyka Nelson, three half-siblings: Sharon Nelson, Norrine Nelson and John Nelson – and Brianna Nelson, who has claimed to be Prince’s niece, and possible grand-niece Victoria Nelson. Two other half siblings are not to be tested.
Prince died of an overdose of Fentanyl at his Minneapolis mansion in April. The family this week announced a tribute concert set to be held in October.