Georgia O'Keeffe's late codicils left most of a $65 million estate to her assistant, 58 years younger, and her family sued

In 1973 a young potter, Juan Hamilton, came to work for Georgia O'Keeffe at her New Mexico home. He was 58 years younger. As her eyesight failed he became her assistant and companion. Her 1979 will gave works to the University of New Mexico and a New Mexico museum. Codicils in the 1980s, including one in 1984, deleted those gifts and left most of the estate to Hamilton. O'Keeffe died in Santa Fe at 98. The estate was valued at $65 million to $70 million. New Mexico dropped its challenge in exchange for up to six paintings. Her sister Catherine Klenert and relative June O'Keeffe Sebring sued, alleging undue influence. In July 1987 they settled. Each plaintiff received $1 million in art, and their lawyers received $2 million. Hamilton gave up what the 1984 codicil had given him, including at least one house, to a planned foundation, and the 1979 will governed the rest. He kept the ranch house, some art and personal effects. The Georgia O'Keeffe Foundation was set up in 1989 and dissolved in 2006, its remaining assets passing to the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, which opened in 1997. Hamilton died in Santa Fe on 20 February 2025, aged 79. In 2026 the museum in Santa Fe holds the core of her work.