Who Gets George Michael’s Money? After Death, Singer's Net Worth, Estate Now Up For Grabs

The death of British singer George Michael has prompted many of his fans to take to Twitter to wonder how the award-winning musical icon could have died at the age of 53. But, as has become the norm with the death of celebrities who earned a fortune during their respective lifetimes, other questions loomed once Michael's death was announced on Christmas afternoon.

The man behind such '80s classics as "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go," when he was the lead singer of Wham!, and "Faith," his first solo hit, amassed an enviable fortune from a career that spanned more than three decades. Those years of success resulted in a net worth of $200 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.

With such a wealthy estate left behind by a celebrity known worldwide, an ensuing legal battle is all but a foregone conclusion. But Michael was not married when he died. In fact, he was never married in his life, according to Bustle. He never had any children, either. It was not immediately clear if the pop star left behind his last will and testament.

However, he does have family involved in his affairs, according to the BBC, which published a brief statement by Michael's publicist acknowledging the singer's death on Sunday:

“It is with great sadness that we can confirm our beloved son, brother and friend George passed away peacefully at home over the Christmas period. The family would ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult and emotional time. There will be no further comment at this stage.”

One family member with whom Michael has had a contentious relationship is his sister, according to reports. She has alleged in the past that he would not financially support her to her likings, which she said led to her eviction from an apartment in London in 2004, Contact Music reported at the time.

While the nature of their relationship was not immediately clear shortly after Michael's death was announced, if she had any lingering animosity toward her brother, those feelings could manifest themselves in a lawsuit for claims to the estate.