Shelley Duvall's longtime partner Dan Gilroy seeks majority of actress' estate despite never marrying her
AUSTIN, TEXAS: Shelley Duvall, the acclaimed actress best known for her role in 'The Shining,' left behind a six-figure estate following her death at 75 due to complications from diabetes, as reported by The Daily Mail.
Her longtime partner, Dan Gilroy, is now requesting the court to grant him the majority of her estate, despite the couple never having married formally.
Dan Gilroy seeks majority of Shelley Duvall's estate amid contested claim
In legal documents obtained by InTouch Weekly, Gilroy, 77, has petitioned the court to be recognized as Duvall's common-law spouse. He claims that Duvall’s estate includes assets worth over $100,000, including cash, real estate, and personal belongings. Gilroy's request also includes being named the estate's administrator.
Gilroy's petition outlines his belief that he should be considered Duvall's common-law spouse. He argues that they had an agreement to be married and lived together in Texas as husband and wife, presenting themselves as such to others.
His request includes claims to 100% of the community's real property, 50% of separate real property, and full ownership of both community and separate personal property.
The actress’ brothers, Scott, Stewart, and Shane Duvall, are her surviving relatives. Gilroy has proposed that they receive 1/6th of the separate real property. The court has yet to make a ruling on whether Gilroy will be appointed as the estate's administrator or how the estate will be distributed among the heirs.
Gilroy, who had a music career with the band Breakfast Club, met Duvall while working on the film 'Mother Goose Rock 'n' Rhyme.' The couple had been together for over a decade, residing in Blanco, Texas, where Duvall died in early July.
Gilroy expressed his grief in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, reflecting on the end of Duvall's suffering and their shared life, saying "My dear, sweet, wonderful life partner and friend left us. Too much suffering lately, now she’s free. Fly away, beautiful Shelley."
Just days before her death at 75, Shelley Duvall celebrated her last birthday with a superfan.
Dan Gilroy’s legal bid for Shelley Duvall’s estate causes stir on social media
Dan Gilroy's petition to be awarded the majority of Shelley Duvall's six-figure estate has ignited a flurry of reactions on social media. The 77-year-old, who lived with Duvall for over three decades, is seeking to be recognized as her common-law spouse and the primary beneficiary of her estate.
Many users expressed support for Gilroy, emphasizing the length and depth of his relationship with the late actress. One user wrote, "I hope he’s awarded it. We aren’t talking about a fortune. They lived together for three decades and shared everything."
Another added, "He should get it; was essentially her spouse after 30+ years together."
Further comments highlighted Gilroy's dedication to Duvall, particularly during her later years. "They may not have been married but he clearly stuck by her in sickness and bad times. I hope he gets her estate," one user noted.
"I just don't see how he will be granted anything since she has brothers. They will become administrators of her estate. It's a shame she never did a will," a user commented.
"It's his, they've been together since 1989. A piece of paper doesn't make a marriage," wrote one supporter, while another pointed out the legal complexities: "A formal marriage is recognized in court; without it, his claim is weaker."
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