Late musical icon cum politician, Sonny Bono’s fourth wife and widow, Mary Bono, inherited his entire estate.
Sonny died without a will. His inheritance was placed into the California probate process.
Sonny’s second wife, Cher whom he married in 1964, had fought for her rights, saying that she was entitled to a 50% share of rights in musical composition royalties, record royalties, and other assets she was awarded at the time of their divorce.
In her lawsuit, Cher claimed Mary Bono and the Bono Collection Trust attempted to unlawfully terminate her 50% share.
But Mary Bono argued that the 50% stake had expired, and the rights now accrue to Sonny’s heirs, including Chaz Bono, Cher’s only child with Sonny, as well as Chesare Bono, Chianna Bono and Christy Bono.
Cher, a Grammy, Oscar, and Emmy winner collaborated with Sonny Bono as far back as 1964.
The duo appeared in The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour before moving going solo.
Cher also starred in the movies Silkwood, Mask, The Witches of Eastwick and Moonstruck.