The Costly Chaos Behind 20 Legendary Estates

He had already reinvented himself several times: pop singer, television personality, restaurant owner, mayor of Palm Springs, and member of Congress. Estate planning remained unfinished. Sonny Bono died in a skiing accident in January 1998 without a will, leaving his widow, Mary Bono, to seek appointment as administrator under California law. The absence of written instructions created room for claims that might otherwise have been addressed directly. Cher, his former wife and musical partner, sought money she said remained due under their divorce agreement.