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New York hotel magnate Leona Helmsley, dubbed the "Queen of Mean," who died last week, left her dog a whooping $12 million.
A trust was reportedly created by Helmsley, who passed away on August 20 at 87, to care for her pet, which was a small celebrity as well, being featured in ads for Helmsley properties, the New York Daily News reported Wednesday.
The 14-page will was unsealed in Surrogate's Court on Tuesday and reported in the media the following day, with the New York Post headlining the story "Rich bitch," referring to the female dog. The will also stipulates that the dog be buried besides Helmsley and her late husband, Harry, who died in 1997.
A substantial part of Helmsley’s $4 billion fortune including earnings from selling her possessions such as jewelry, art, cars and other valuable properties are to be given to charity.
Her brother, Alvin Rosenthal, who will be looking after the dog, was also left with $10 million, while two of her four grandchildren were left out of the will for "reasons that are known to them," she wrote.
The other two, David and Walter Panzirer, will be left $5 million each as long as they visit their father's grave at least once a year. Jay Panzirer, Helmsley’s son, died in 1982.
"I have not made any provisions in this will for my grandson Craig Panzirer or my granddaughter Meegan Panzirer for reasons which are known to them," Helmsley wrote.
To make sure her grandsons meet their annual requirement, Helmsley ordered a guest book be installed inside the family’s luxurious mausoleum at the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Westchester County which was also left in the care of a $3 million trust meant to maintain it in good condition
"I direct that my trustees arrange for the Mausoleums to be acid-washed or steam-cleaned at least once a year," Helmsley, who requested that she be buried wearing her gold wedding band, ordered.
Her chauffeur, Nicholas Celea, wasn’t left aside either and was given $100,000, according to the will.
Helmsley, who became famous in 1989 due to a tax evasion trial, died of heart failure at her summer home in Greenwich, Conn.. Most people will be remembering her as reportedly saying "Only the little people pay taxes."
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