The Mystery of Whitney Houston’s Fortune
The late Whitney Houston is one of the most beloved and celebrated singers of all time. With her powerful voice and undeniable talent, she captured the hearts of millions of fans around the world. However, in the years since her death, there have been questions about the fate of her fortune. Some have suggested that Houston’s longtime partner, Nick Gordon, may have inherited her wealth. But is there any truth to this rumor? Let’s take a closer look at the mystery of Whitney Houston’s fortune.
Background of Houston’s Relationship with Gordon
First, it’s important to understand the background of Houston’s relationship with Gordon. He was introduced to her when he was just 12 years old, and the two became very close over the years. In fact, Houston referred to him as her “adopted son” and frequently referred to him as her brother in interviews. However, their relationship took a romantic turn in the years before Houston’s death, and the two began dating.
Houston’s Death and Speculation about her Fortune
Tragically, Houston died in 2012, at the age of 48. Her death was ruled an accidental drowning, with heart disease and drug use listed as contributing factors. In the years since her passing, many have speculated about what happened to her considerable fortune. Houston was worth an estimated $20 million at the time of her death, thanks to decades of hit songs, successful albums, and a film career.
Some have suggested that Gordon may have inherited much of this wealth. After all, he was Houston’s longtime boyfriend and the two were living together at the time of her death. There were rumors that Houston had drafted a will leaving everything to Gordon, as well as concerns that he may have been manipulating her in the later years of her life to gain access to her money.
Houston’s Will
However, it’s worth noting that Houston did have a will at the time of her death, and it did not leave everything to Gordon. Instead, the bulk of her estate was left to her only child, Bobbi Kristina Brown. Houston’s will also instructed that a portion of her fortune should be used to establish a trust for Bobbi Kristina’s benefit, intended to support her throughout her lifetime.
Sadly, Bobbi Kristina would also pass away just three years later, in 2015, at the age of 22. Her death was also ruled an accidental drowning, with drug intoxication listed as a contributing factor. Her passing only intensified questions about the fate of Houston’s fortune, as she was the sole beneficiary of her mother’s will.
Gordon’s Legal Troubles
With both Houston and Bobbi Kristina gone, the focus shifted back to Gordon. He was long suspected of playing a role in Bobbi Kristina’s death, and was sued by her estate for wrongful death. The lawsuit alleged that Gordon had physically abused Bobbi Kristina and given her a “toxic cocktail” before placing her in a bathtub, where she was found unconscious. The suit also claimed that Gordon had stolen money from Bobbi Kristina’s trust account.
Ultimately, Gordon was found liable for Bobbi Kristina’s death in a civil suit and ordered to pay $36 million in damages. He did not attend the trial and has not paid the judgment, leading to concerns that he may have fled the country or is hiding assets to avoid paying the debt.
Did Gordon Inherit Houston’s Fortune?
So, did Nick Gordon inherit Whitney Houston’s fortune? The answer appears to be no. Houston’s will was clear in its instructions for her estate, and the bulk of her wealth was left to her daughter. And even if Gordon had somehow ended up with some of Houston’s money, his legal troubles in the aftermath of Bobbi Kristina’s death would likely have complicated any claim he might make to her estate.
The Tragic Legacy of Whitney Houston
In the end, the mystery of Whitney Houston’s fortune is just one of many tragic aspects of her life and legacy. While her songs and performances continue to inspire and move us, it’s impossible to ignore the pain and loss that surrounded her in her final years. And while Nick Gordon may never be able to pay the debt he owes for his role in her family’s tragedy, we can only hope that the memory of Houston and Bobbi Kristina will continue to live on, long after the rumors about their fortune have faded away.