NEW YORK -- Leona Helmsley's dog will continue to live an opulent life, and then be buried alongside her in a mausoleum. But two of Helmsley's grandchildren got nothing from the late luxury hotelier and real estate billionaire's estate.
Helmsley left her beloved white Maltese, named Trouble, a $12 million trust fund, according to her will, which was made public Tuesday in surrogate court.
She also left millions for her brother, Alvin Rosenthal, who was named to care for Trouble in her absence, as well as two of four grandchildren from her late son Jay Panzirer — so long as they visit their father's grave site once each calendar year.
Otherwise, she wrote, neither will get a penny of the $5 million she left for each.
Helmsley left nothing to two of Jay Panzirer's other children — Craig and Meegan Panzirer — for "reasons that are known to them," she wrote.
But no one made out better than Trouble, who once appeared in ads for the Helmsley Hotels, and lived up to her name by biting a housekeeper.
"I direct that when my dog, Trouble, dies, her remains shall be buried next to my remains in the Helmsley mausoleum," Helmsley wrote in her will.
A $12 million trust fund for her dog and not a dime for two of her grandchildren -- Helmsley obviously had a better relationship with Trouble than some people in her life.
Maybe those two grandchildren who were stiffed weren't in her life at all.
As for the two grandchildren awarded $5 million each, they can't get their money unless they carry out Helmsley's orders. Although it's not too much to ask that they visit their father's grave once a year, it's an indication of her wanting to maintain some control over their behavior, putting a price on respect and love.
Helmsley definitely was a power freak, but she's also a dog lover. Trouble probably was her faithful companion and Helmsley adored her.
What do Helmsley's final wishes reveal about her?
Mean, old bag or big softy?
I think at least two of her grandchildren probably fall in the mean, old bag camp.
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