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# What Happened to Prince's Heirs?

Published in Prince Estate Management 2 mins read

Upon Prince's death, his estate was initially divided equally among his sister and five half-siblings. However, over time, a significant portion of this inheritance changed hands, with a music publishing company acquiring a substantial stake from some of the heirs.

The Initial Distribution of Prince's Estate

After Prince's passing without a will, his substantial estate, estimated to be worth hundreds of millions of dollars, was subject to a prolonged legal process. Ultimately, the court determined that his assets would be distributed equally among his direct surviving family members. These heirs included:

  • His sister
  • Five half-siblings

This equal division aimed to ensure that all recognized heirs received an equitable share of the artist's legacy.

Subsequent Developments: Sale of Estate Stakes

While the initial distribution established the primary heirs, the ownership structure of the estate evolved significantly. In a notable development in August 2021, three of Prince's siblings decided to sell their inherited shares.

  • Sellers: Three of Prince's siblings, who together owned an approximate 50% stake in the estate.
  • Buyer: Primary Wave, a prominent music publishing company.
  • Outcome: Primary Wave acquired a substantial portion of the estate, including interests in Prince's music catalog, master recordings, and other valuable assets. This transaction, according to Forbes, significantly altered the composition of the estate's ownership.

This sale meant that the control and financial interest in half of Prince's estate shifted from individual family members to a corporate entity, marking a new chapter in the management and future of his vast musical and intellectual property.

Summary of Estate Ownership Changes

The table below illustrates the shift in ownership of Prince's estate after the heirs' initial inheritance:

Phase Original Owners (Post-Probate) Current Stakeholders (Post-August 2021 Sale)
Initial Division Prince's sister and five half-siblings
Current Ownership Three siblings retain their shares Primary Wave owns the approximate 50% stake acquired from the other three siblings

This transformation means that the remaining three siblings continue to hold their original shares, while Primary Wave now controls a significant portion, impacting future decisions regarding Prince's music and legacy.