When Larry King died on January 23, 2021, at age 87, the world remembered the man with the cigar, the voice, and the legendary CNN interviews. But behind the scenes, a quiet legal storm was brewing—one that would unravel his legacy. King had filed for divorce from his seventh wife, Shawn Southwick King, in August 2019, citing irreconcilable differences. Yet, despite the paperwork, they never finalized the split. That oversight turned his death into a $100 million-plus courtroom drama, pitting family against spouse in a battle over a handwritten will, hidden assets, and alleged financial betrayal.
A Marriage That Never Really Ended
Larry King and Shawn Southwick King married on September 5, 1997, and stayed together for 22 years—longer than any of his previous unions. They had two sons, Chance and Cannon, now in their early 20s. But cracks showed early. In 2010, they filed for divorce after a separation on April 13 of that year. The case fizzled after King, then 76, met with a counselor and called for a two-week truce. His lawyer, Dennis Wasser, told reporters at the time there was a “50-50” chance they’d reconcile. They did. For a while.
By June 2019, the marriage was over again. King, then 85, filed for divorce in Los Angeles Superior Court, listing June 6 as their separation date. His lawyer, Christopher C. Melcher of Walzer Melcher LLP, said King’s sons had urged him to end the marriage. This time, there was no truce. No second chance.
The Handwritten Will That Changed Everything
Just two months after filing for divorce, on October 17, 2019, King sat down with a pen and wrote his last will by hand. No lawyer. No notary. Just ink on paper. In it, he cut out Shawn Southwick King entirely. His five children—Larry King Jr., Casey, Chaia, Chance, and Cannon—were named sole beneficiaries. The document, known as a holographic will, was legal in California… if it met strict criteria: entirely in King’s handwriting, dated, and signed.
But here’s the twist: King never divorced Shawn. That meant, under California law, she was still his legal spouse. And spouses have rights—even if they’re estranged. That’s why, when King died in January 2021, Shawn didn’t just cry. She sued.
“Air-Tight” Estate Plan vs. Secret Will
Shawn King’s legal team claims King had an “air-tight” estate plan drawn up in 2015—before the 2019 divorce filing—that included her as a beneficiary. She alleges the 2019 holographic will was created under duress, possibly during a period of diminished mental capacity after a stroke. Her lawyers also point to two postnuptial agreements signed during the marriage, both of which allegedly prohibited unilateral changes to estate plans without mutual consent.
Then there’s the money. Shawn claims King secretly transferred $266,000 from their joint accounts to Larry King Jr. between 2013 and 2018. She’s demanding half—$133,000—as her share of community property. That’s not a small sum, but it’s barely a drop compared to what’s at stake.
How Much Was He Really Worth?
Estimates of King’s net worth vary wildly. Wagner Sidlofsky LLP puts it at $50 million. Dallas Elder Lawyer claims it’s closer to $144 million. The discrepancy? Most of King’s fortune wasn’t in his name. He held assets in trusts—private, complex, and shielded from probate. Only about $2 million of his estate passed through the will. The rest? Locked away in legal structures designed to avoid taxes and public scrutiny.
That’s why the holographic will matters so little in dollar terms. It’s not about the money it distributes—it’s about the precedent. If Shawn wins, it sets a legal precedent that even estranged spouses can override handwritten wills if they prove undue influence. If she loses, it validates the power of a simple pen-and-paper directive, even when made in the shadow of a broken marriage.
A Second Front: The $100 Million Lawsuit
Shawn King didn’t stop at challenging the will. On October 7, 2022, she filed a separate $100 million lawsuit against King’s former business managers, accusing them of financial exploitation, breach of fiduciary duty, and fraud. She claims they pressured him into signing documents that transferred control of his intellectual property, royalties, and digital archives—assets worth millions—without her knowledge.
Her lawyers say the estate managers “took advantage of an elderly man who was isolated and vulnerable.” King’s children, meanwhile, say their father was sharp until the end—and that Shawn’s claims are a cover for greed.
What This Means for Everyone Else
Larry King’s case isn’t just celebrity gossip. It’s a textbook example of what happens when estate planning and divorce don’t align. He filed for divorce but didn’t finalize it. He wrote a will but didn’t update his trusts. He changed his beneficiaries but didn’t notify his financial team. The result? A legal quagmire that’s still unfolding years after his death.
Marriage, separation, and divorce aren’t just emotional events—they’re financial triggers. As Wagner Sidlofsky LLP notes, “Every change in marital status should trigger a review of your estate documents.” King’s story is a warning: even the most famous among us can leave chaos behind if we don’t tie up the loose ends.
What’s Next?
The probate court battle over the holographic will is ongoing. A hearing is expected in late 2024. Meanwhile, the $100 million lawsuit against the estate managers is in discovery. If Shawn wins either case, she could walk away with millions—or none at all. Either way, King’s legacy won’t be defined by his interviews with presidents and pop stars. It’ll be defined by the courtroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why didn’t Larry King finalize his divorce before he died?
The exact reason remains unclear. Court records show the divorce was active but never concluded. Legal experts suggest procedural delays, emotional hesitation, or even a last-minute attempt at reconciliation may have stalled the process. Under California law, a divorce filing expires after five years if not finalized—so technically, it was still open when King died.
Can a handwritten will override a marriage?
In California, yes—if it meets legal requirements. A holographic will is valid if entirely handwritten, signed, and dated. But spouses have automatic inheritance rights unless legally divorced. So while the will may be valid, Shawn King can still claim her community property share, including half of assets acquired during the marriage, regardless of the will’s terms.
What’s the difference between probate assets and trust assets?
Probate assets are those owned solely in the deceased’s name and subject to court oversight—like the $2 million King left in his will. Trust assets are held in private legal entities and bypass probate entirely. King’s estimated $142 million in trusts were never part of the will, making them harder to contest but also harder to trace—fueling suspicion and lawsuits.
Why is Shawn King suing the estate managers?
She alleges they manipulated King in his final years, coercing him into signing documents that transferred control of his royalties, TV rights, and digital archives. These assets, she claims, were community property. The lawsuit seeks $100 million in damages, arguing the managers acted with fraud and breach of fiduciary duty—especially since King was recovering from a stroke and reportedly isolated.
Could Shawn King inherit anything even if the will is upheld?
Yes. Even if the holographic will stands, California law entitles a surviving spouse to half of all community property acquired during the marriage—regardless of the will. That includes bank accounts, real estate, and business interests. So while she may not get the full estate, she could still claim $50–70 million from marital assets, depending on what’s proven in court.
Has this kind of case happened before with celebrities?
Frequently. Prince died without a will in 2016, sparking a decade-long battle among heirs. Aretha Franklin’s estate was contested for years after her 2018 death. The difference with King? He had a will—but no divorce. That combination makes his case uniquely messy. It’s a reminder: even billionaires need to update their paperwork after major life changes.
