John R. Nelson was Prince's oldest brother, and one of his heirs. His sister posted the news on Twitter Friday.
Sharon L. Nelson tweeted Friday, "It is with great sorrow that we announce that our beloved Brother Johnny R. Nelson received His Heavenly Wings tonight at 7:47 PM." "Johnny's caring personality and spirit shone brightly and he worked hard to preserve Prince's legacy.
John, Prince's half-brother was born to John L. Nelson and Vivian in 1944. Sharon and Norrine, the last major family heirs of the music legend, are left to mourn his death.
Prince's half-sister Lorna was 63 when she died.
Primary Wave, a New York-based music company, controls about half of Prince’s estate. Primary Wave owns the rights to thousands popular songs from Ray Charles to Nirvana.
The company purchased 100% of Omarr Baker's inheritance, the youngest of Prince’s six siblings, as well as 100% of Alfred Jackson's inheritance. The company also bought 90% of Tyka Nelson's estate share.
His estate has been involved in legal disputes for five years, since Prince Rogers Nelson was killed by a fentanyl overdose. Recently, the IRS and Comerica Bank & Trust, the estate administrator, disagreed about its value. It is worth $82.3 million according to Comerica, which is roughly half the value that the IRS claims it to be worth.
Late June saw a partial settlement between the IRS and Comerica, where they agreed on the value for the musician's real property at $17.7million. The value of Prince’s music and royalties is still unresolved. This could end up being decided in court.
Katy Read 612-673-45583
