You’d think the world’s most famous celebrities would have airtight Estate Plans. They had fame. Fortune. An army of advisors. But they all made one critical mistake — they didn’t plan properly for what would happen when they were gone.

And the results? Legal chaos. Family fights. Years in court. Millions of dollars wasted.

Let’s take a look at how some of the most iconic artists of our time got it wrong — and what that means for everyday families like yours and mine.

Elvis Presley: The King Left a Mess

When Elvis died in 1977, his estate was worth around $5 million. Not small change — especially back then. But he had no Trust. Everything had to go through probate — a slow, expensive, public process.

By the time legal fees, taxes, and creditors took their share, his heirs were left with barely half of what he had built. And Elvis’s ex-wife Priscilla had to step in to rescue the estate financially.

To make matters worse, Elvis had set up his estate in a way that didn’t prepare for the long-term management of his brand — which now generates hundreds of millions in revenue.

Bottom line? The King of Rock & Roll didn’t plan like a king.

Aretha Franklin: Handwritten Notes in Couch Cushions

Yes, really.

The Queen of Soul passed in 2018. For months, it was believed she died without a Will. That would have meant her estate — worth an estimated $80 million — would be divided under state law, with no say from her.

Then in 2019, two handwritten Wills were found — one in a locked cabinet, and another under the cushions of her couch. Both were riddled with inconsistencies. Family members disagreed on which one was valid. What followed was years of litigation and public embarrassment.

Just recently — in 2023 — a jury decided the one in the couch was her valid Will.

Can you imagine? A music legend’s final wishes decided by a jury. Based on notes scribbled on a notepad.

Prince: No Will. No Plan. No Peace.

Prince passed in 2016 with no known Will or Trust. His estate was estimated at over $150 million. And without clear instructions, the battle over his legacy raged for 6 years.

Lawyers, consultants, and the IRS got involved. Heirs were determined by blood tests. Legal bills mounted. In the end, tens of millions were spent just trying to figure out who got what.

Prince — a fiercely private artist — had his most intimate business spilled across court documents, headlines, and tax filings. All because he didn’t take a few hours to put his wishes in writing.

What These Legends Teach Us About Planning

You don’t need a $100 million estate to make these same mistakes.

The reality is, most people die without a proper plan. They might have a Will… but not a Trust. They might have named beneficiaries… but forgot to update them after a life change. They might have talked to their family… but never created legal documents to back it up.

And just like that, their loved ones are left with:

  • Court battles
  • Delayed inheritances
  • Bitter resentments
  • Unintended outcomes

It happens every day. Not just to celebrities — to hardworking, everyday families across Georgia and beyond.

You Have Something to Protect — Even If You’re Not Famous

Maybe your name isn’t on an album cover. But if you’ve got:

  • A home
  • A savings account
  • A family
  • A life insurance policy
  • A small business
  • A grandchild you adore

… then you’ve got something worth protecting.

Estate planning isn’t just for the rich. It’s for the smart. It’s for people who love their families enough to make their passing easier, not harder.

At Bascom Law, I’ve spent over 35 years helping families avoid the very problems that took down some of the biggest stars in history.

We help you:

  • Create legally binding plans that avoid court
  • Use Iron Clad Estate Plans to protect your legacy and privacy
  • Prevent family drama with clear, enforceable instructions
  • Keep your assets in the hands of the people you love

You Have One Chance to Get This Right

Elvis, Aretha, and Prince had the best talent in the world — but their Estate Plans? A disaster.

Learn from their mistakes. Call my office today to schedule your planning session. No drama. No guesswork. Just a solid plan your family can count on — long after you’re gone.

Sincerely and Thanks,

Mike

Mike Bascom
Bascom Law, PC
770-285-5493