Here's Who Inherited Amy Winehouse's Money After She Died
Known for her distinct and sultry vocals, Amy Winehouse was only 27 at the time of her death (via Biography). Like the others who are part of the notorious 27 Club, Winehouse had a meteoric rise and fall. According to the Jewish Virtual Library, her first album "Frank," garnered her much critical and commercial success. Her sophomore album, "Back to Black" however, launched her into international stardom. It later sold 10 million copies and won Winehouse five Grammys.
Besides her unmistakable 60s-inspired style and soulful music, Winehouse was also a notorious tabloid target (per NPR). Her self-destruction was made into fodder and it was public knowledge that Winehouse was an addict and self-harmed. According to DW, Winehouse began to drink as her fame grew. She was uncomfortable singing in front of large audiences and struggled with her success.
Winehouse later met her future husband, addict Blake Fielder-Civil in a pub. As her relationship with Fielder-civil grew, so did Winehouse's addictions. They were only married for two tumultuous years when they divorced in 2009. By then, Winehouse's career and voice were faltering. She was booed off stage for being drunk, canceled shows, and was unable to remember her own lyrics. Although she had brief periods of sobriety, they would never last.
Winehouse's parents inherited her fortune
On July 23, 2011, Winehouse was found dead in her home from accidental alcohol poisoning (via Biography). According to Forbes, Winehouse did not have a will. Her net worth was around $4.66 million. Who would inherit this? By default, it went to her parents, Janis and Mitch Winehouse (per Rolling Stone). As her ex-husband, this means Fielder-Civil would get nothing. Her older brother, Alex, would also get nothing. Per Fox News, eight years after her death, Fielder-Civil filed a million-dollar claim on her estate.
Although he did not request any money at the time of her death, he was now demanding a payout as well as a monthly allowance. Her family later stated that he deserved nothing and had already caused them enough pain for introducing Winehouse to hard drugs. Fielder-Civil claims he deserved a cut of her estate because Winehouse had released her best-selling material while they were together. It's unknown if he ever received any monetary amount from this claim. Winehouse's parents later used some of their inheritance to set up the Amy Winehouse Foundation, which aims to help young musicians and people with addiction issues.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).