Diane Keaton’s Death: Who Gets Her $100 Million Fortune Will Shock You

The sudden passing of legendary actress Diane Keaton at age 79 stunned fans and left Hollywood reeling. For decades, Keaton built an iconic career and amassed a $100 million fortune through acting, directing, writing, and real estate. Now, the question on everyone’s mind: who will inherit her wealth, and how will her final wishes reshape her legacy?

Just five days after Keaton’s death from bacterial pneumonia, her adopted children, Dexter and Duke, rushed to the lawyer’s office to stake their claims. Tensions escalated when Diane’s two biological sisters also demanded a share, sparking a fierce family battle over the estate.

In her final weeks, Keaton lived in seclusion, rapidly lost weight, and suffered from persistent coughing. Friends noted she retreated from public life, sold her beloved Beverly Hills home, and reduced contact with friends, fueling speculation about her health and whether she was isolated intentionally.

Keaton’s health struggles were well-known. She battled skin cancer in her twenties and bulimia, which she candidly discussed in her memoir. Yet, her official cause of death—pneumonia—raised questions. Was there an underlying illness, or did family dynamics play a role in her declining health?

Diane Keaton adopted her daughter Dexter in 1996 and her son Duke in 2001, raising them single-handedly in Beverly Hills. The siblings, though close in public, were reportedly distant in private, with different personalities and interests.

Dexter, an interior designer, claimed she deserved the Brentwood house, citing her involvement in its renovation and her close bond with Diane. Duke, a tech entrepreneur, argued for the majority of cash and royalties to support his ventures, referencing Diane’s financial support for his startups.

The family conflict intensified as Diane’s sisters, Dory and Robin Hall, entered the fray. Both argued they deserved a portion of the estate due to their lifelong support and care for Diane, especially during her health battles. Dory claimed Diane had promised her support, while Robin demanded royalties from Diane’s memoirs, where both sisters were mentioned.

The situation grew more complicated when details of Diane’s will surfaced. Updated in March 2025, the will named Dexter and Duke as primary heirs, but left the specifics ambiguous, sparking further disputes.

Rumors circulated that Diane intended to donate part of her estate to the LA Conservancy, which Dexter opposed, arguing her mother wanted the properties preserved as family heritage.

Keaton’s estate included high-value real estate—her Brentwood home, properties in Laguna Beach, Pacific Palisades, Arizona, and more—worth over $50 million. Her acting career, directing, writing, and investments contributed another $40 million, with profits from films, memoirs, and brand collaborations.

As the legal battle raged, fans speculated online about possible foul play, questioning whether Dexter and Duke had manipulated Diane or delayed medical care to secure their inheritance. No evidence supports these theories, but the speed and intensity of the estate dispute left many uneasy.

Diane Keaton devoted her life to her children, believing motherhood was her greatest achievement. If the rumors of betrayal are true, her passing marks not just the end of a Hollywood era, but a tragic family drama. For now, the fate of her fortune remains in the hands of lawyers and the courts, leaving fans to wonder if love or ambition will ultimately prevail.
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