Who is involved in the legal dispute over the country songwriter's estate?

The dispute involves the widow of the late country songwriter and his parents.

What items are being contested in the country songwriter's estate battle?

Contested items include firearms, a gun safe, watches, rings, guitars, baseball card albums, and a piano.

What was the outcome of the subpoena issued in the songwriter's estate case?

A judge declared the subpoena void and unenforceable due to improper completion and procedural issues.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Widow Battles In-Laws Over Late Songwriter's Valuables

Widow Battles In-Laws Over Late Songwriter's Valuables

28 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Late songwriter's widow disputes possession of guns, watches, and guitars.
Judge voids subpoena issued by late husband's parents for estate items.
Legal battle continues over songwriter's property and estate administration.

Widow Battles In-Laws Over Late Songwriter's Valuables

A contentious legal battle is unfolding over the estate of a country songwriter who died by suicide in February 2023 at age 49. His widow, currently embroiled in a dispute with his parents, has been accused of possessing her late husband's property. The in-laws attempted to retrieve items like firearms, guitars, and watches through a subpoena, which a judge recently declared void and unenforceable.

The judge criticized the subpoena for its unusual demands, noting that it listed numerous large and heavy personal property items rather than documents for inspection. The court found the parents had not filed a proper complaint, invalidating their attempt to issue the subpoena in the estate administration case. This legal maneuver follows the widow's petition in 2024 claiming a dispute over certain personal property.