We Asked AI to Write Beyoncé's Last Will and Testament—Here’s What It Came Up With

On September 4th, we celebrate the birthday of none other than Beyoncé Knowles-Carter—Queen Bey herself. 

While we all know her for her chart-topping hits, GOAT performances, and undeniable influence on culture, there’s one aspect of life that even the Queen can’t escape: estate planning. Writing a Will might not be as glamorous as headlining Coachella, but it’s an essential part of ensuring your wishes are respected. #BigQueenEnergy

So, in honor of her birthday, we did something a little unconventional. We asked AI to draft a Last Will and Testament for Beyoncé, imagining how she might choose to protect her empire for generations to come. Here’s what happened.

Last Will and Testament of Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter

I, Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter, a resident of Los Angeles, California, being of sound mind and body, do hereby declare this to be my Last Will and Testament. I revoke any and all Wills and Codicils previously made by me.

Article I: Declaration of Family

I am married to Shawn Corey Carter, also known as Jay-Z. I have three children: Blue Ivy Carter, Rumi Carter, and Sir Carter. All references to “my children” in this Will refer specifically to Blue Ivy, Rumi, and Sir.

Article II: Appointment of Executor

I appoint my husband, Shawn Corey Carter, as the Executor of this Will. If Shawn is unable or unwilling to serve, I appoint my mother, Tina Knowles-Lawson, as the alternate Executor.

Article III: Distribution of Assets

1. Personal Property: I bequeath all of my jewelry, clothing, and personal effects to my daughter, Blue Ivy Carter. I trust that she will cherish these items as symbols of the legacy I’ve built and the memories we’ve shared.

2. Real Estate: I leave our Los Angeles estate to my husband, Shawn Carter, with the wish that it remain a sanctuary for our family. The Hamptons home, which holds many cherished memories, shall be passed to our twins, Rumi and Sir Carter, to share equally.

3. Music Catalog and Intellectual Property: I bequeath all rights to my music catalog, including royalties, to my children, Blue Ivy, Rumi, and Sir, to be divided equally. I hope they will continue to share my artistry with the world, and if they choose, add their own voices to our family’s creative legacy.

4. Charitable Contributions: I direct that 20% of my estate be set aside to establish the "BeyGOOD Foundation Trust," which will support initiatives that empower women and marginalized communities worldwide. My mother, Tina Knowles-Lawson, will serve as the Chairperson of the Trust.

5. Grammys and Awards: I leave my 32 Grammy Awards to be divided among my children, with the stipulation that they rotate who gets to keep them each year, fostering a sense of shared pride in our collective achievements.

6. Shares in Parkwood Entertainment: My shares in Parkwood Entertainment shall be passed to Blue Ivy Carter, who has shown an interest in the business side of the industry. I trust she will continue to guide the company with the same vision and passion that I have.

7. Personal Letters: I leave a collection of personal letters and notes to my children, to be opened on their 18th birthdays. These letters contain my thoughts, hopes, and dreams for them, along with the wisdom I’ve gathered over the years.

Article IV: Guardianship

In the event that both my husband and I are unable to care for our children, I appoint my sister, Solange Knowles, as their guardian. I trust Solange to provide the love, guidance, and strength that our children will need.

Article V: Funeral Arrangements

I request a private, intimate funeral with only close family and friends in attendance. I would like my final resting place to be at Woodlawn Cemetery in Houston, Texas, near my childhood home.

Article VI: Residuary Estate

I leave the remainder of my estate to my children, Blue Ivy, Rumi, and Sir Carter, in equal shares.

Article VII: No Contest Clause

If any beneficiary under this Will, or any person claiming under any beneficiary, shall contest this Will or any of its provisions, such beneficiary or person shall be disinherited and shall forfeit his or her share.

Breaking Down Queen Bey’s Will

Now that we’ve seen Beyoncé’s AI-generated Last Will and Testament, let’s break down some of the key decisions that were made. After all, even in hypothetical scenarios, every choice in a Will has meaning.

The Appointment of Executor

Beyoncé’s choice to name her husband, Jay-Z, as Executor is a logical one. As her life partner and fellow powerhouse in the music industry, he’s the person most likely to understand and respect her wishes. Naming her mother, Tina Knowles-Lawson, as the alternate Executor ensures that someone deeply trusted is always in charge.

The Legacy of Personal Property

Leaving her personal belongings to Blue Ivy speaks to the deep connection between mother and daughter. Jewelry, clothing, and personal effects are often infused with memories, making them priceless treasures that carry stories and sentiments through generations.

Real Estate for Family Continuity

By leaving the L.A. estate to Jay-Z and the Hamptons home to Rumi and Sir, Beyoncé ensures that her family continues to have places filled with history and love. These homes are more than just properties—they’re sanctuaries that hold the essence of the life she built with her family.

Music as an Enduring Gift

Beyoncé’s music catalog is her legacy, and leaving it to her children not only provides financial security but also offers them a piece of her artistic soul. By dividing it equally among her kids, she promotes unity and shared responsibility in continuing her creative legacy.

Empowering Others Through Charity

The creation of the BeyGOOD Foundation Trust reflects Beyoncé’s long-standing commitment to philanthropy. Ensuring that 20% of her estate supports causes close to her heart is a powerful reminder that true success is about lifting others up.

Grammy Awards as Symbols of Success

Dividing her Grammy Awards among her children, with a playful rotating arrangement, ensures that each child understands the importance of their mother’s achievements while sharing in the pride of her legacy.

Guardianship with a Personal Touch

Beyoncé’s choice to appoint her sister, Solange, as the guardian of her children shows a deep trust in her sibling’s ability to provide love and guidance. This decision underscores the importance of family bonds in estate planning.

The No Contest Clause

Finally, the inclusion of a No Contest Clause is a smart move to protect her Will from disputes. This clause discourages potential legal battles, ensuring that her wishes are honored without conflict.

Wrapping Up: What We Can Learn from Beyoncé’s Hypothetical Will

While the Will above is a work of AI-powered imagination, it highlights some key principles that we can all apply to our own estate planning:

1. Choose your Executor wisely – This person will be responsible for carrying out your wishes, so trust is paramount.

2. Consider the sentimental value of personal items – These can mean more to your loved ones than any monetary asset.

3. Think about your legacy – How do you want to be remembered? What causes do you want to support?

4. Plan for your children’s future – Guardianship and the distribution of assets can ensure they are cared for in the way you want.

If there’s one thing we can learn from Queen Bey, it’s the importance of planning ahead. Estate planning isn’t just for the rich and famous—it’s for anyone who wants to protect their loved ones and leave a meaningful legacy.

Ready to start your own estate planning journey? Trust & Will makes it easy to create a will that reflects your wishes and safeguards your future. Don’t wait—get started today and take control of your legacy.

Happy Birthday, Beyoncé! Here’s to celebrating your incredible legacy, both now and for generations to come.

Trust & Will is an online service providing legal forms and information. We are not a law firm and we do not provide legal advice.

Image source: Raph_PH, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons