Jimmy Buffett's Widow Battles Over His Fortune
Jimmy Buffett, right, and Mac Macnally, a member of the "Coral Reefer Band," perform a USO concert for the Sailors of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) in the Middle East on Jan. 28, 2008. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Michael W. Pendergrass. Public domain.
When Jimmy Buffett died in September 2023, fans mourned the loss of a music legend. ButHis advice: Adjust her living expenses or consider selling real estate. behind the sun-soaked lyrics and beachy legacy, a bitter legal storm was already brewing. Now, his widow, Jane Buffett, is asking a California court to intervene and remove the man who was supposed to help protect her financial future.
A $275 Million Estate and a Trust in Turmoil
On June 3, 2025, Jane Buffett filed suit to remove Richard Mozenter as co-trustee of her late husband's Marital Trust, which was valued at approximately $275 million.
The filing, reviewed by multiple outlets, including PEOPLE, alleges that Mozenter has been "openly hostile" and adversarial since Jimmy's death and has repeatedly failed to provide even the most basic financial disclosures.
Jimmy's estate plan, most recently updated in 2023, designated Jane as the sole beneficiary and called for the assets to be administered by her and a neutral co-trustee — a role Mozenter took on shortly after the singer's passing on Sept. 1, 2023.
Delays, Low-Income Projections, and a Shocking Claim
Jane's concerns began in October 2023, just one month after Jimmy's death, when she met with Mozenter and requested a projected income analysis from the trust. But according to her filing, it took Mozenter 16 months to deliver those numbers — and when he finally did, the results were "shocking," according to Taste of Country.
Mozenter estimated that Jane would receive less than $2 million per year from the trust despite its sizable assets. His advice: Adjust her living expenses or consider selling real estate.
Her legal team argues that the numbers don't add up, especially considering that the trust holds a 20% stake in the lucrative Margaritaville brand, which reportedly generated $14 million in the last 18 months.
Mozenter allegedly failed to include any income from that stake in his projections.
A Breakdown in Communication — and Trust
The legal documents describe an ongoing pattern of unprofessional and combative behavior. Jane claims Mozenter belittled and condescended to her when she asked for financial information to which she was entitled.
In Jane's filing, according to PEOPLE, she claims, "even if Mr. Mozenter believes he has been unfairly criticized for his failure to discharge his duties as co-trustee (he has not), he concedes that he cannot 'have one productive conversation with (Mrs. Buffett) about any topics," yet insisted on staying in control of her finances.
According to Variety, Jane also alleges that Mozenter appointed an attorney — Jeffrey Smith — who acted erratically, including pressuring her to approve a book passage about her husband that she did not want included.
In May 2025, Jane formally asked Mozenter to resign as co-trustee. He refused.
'In the Dark' Despite Paying Millions
Perhaps most troubling, Jane's suit claims she has paid Mozenter nearly $1.75 million over the past year — fees she was obligated to pay, despite allegedly being left "in the dark" about the state of her own finances, according to PEOPLE.
Jane's net worth, according to her filing, is under the control of a man she cannot trust and who has demonstrated either incompetence or unwillingness to act in her best interest.
The lawsuit seeks to have Mozenter removed and replaced with Daniel Neidich, CEO of Dune Real Estate Partners — someone Jane says she trusts to manage the trust transparently and professionally.
Looking Ahead: Court Date Set
A hearing is scheduled for Aug. 14. Until then, Jane Buffett is stuck in legal limbo — fighting for access to the fortune her husband intended for her, and seeking control over a trust that she says has become emotionally and financially draining.
Whether the court sides with her or not, this high-profile estate battle has already offered a sobering reminder that even in paradise, money can get messy.
References: Jimmy Buffett's Widow Sues Estate Co-Trustee, Claims He's Withholding Financial Information About Late Singer's $275M Trust | Jimmy Buffett's Widow Sues to Remove Trustee of His $275 Million Estate | Jimmy Buffett's Widow Files to Remove Co-Trustee From $275 Million Estate, Claiming Hostility and Lack of Transparency
