Paul O'Grady's dogs each received whopping sum after star's death at 67
The late Paul O'Grady made sure his dogs would be well looked after as he left £15.5 million in his will, and included £125,000 just for his five dogs. Paul tragically died at his home in Kent in March last year when he was just 67 years old due to a sudden heart problem. But earlier this year it was been reported that his agent Joan is taking care of his dogs - Nancy, Arfur, Conchita, Eddie, and Sausage. In his will, Paul said he wanted each dog to have £25,000. He wrote: "The legacy shall mean £25,000 in respect of each animal. I direct that Joan shall take over the responsibility of each animal....to use each legacy for the upkeep and maintenance of each Animal until its death."
A close friend of the TV star shared a few words on Paul's wishes for his dogs at the time and said: "This is typical of Paul as he put his money where his mouth was by leaving cash to charities that had special meaning to him. And though £125,000 seems like a lot of money to spend on his dogs, they also meant the world to him and he wanted to ensure they always receive the best love and care."
In his will, Paul also donated half a million pounds to Battersea Cats and Dogs Home, a charity he loved and often featured on his popular TV show - ITV's For the Love of Dogs. After Paul's sad passing, This Morning's Alison Hammond was announced as the new host of the series.
READ MORE:A Place In The Sun star Danni Menzies reveals heartbreaking reason she quit hit show
Paul also left £775,000 for causes close to his heart, including special donations of £50,000 each to elephant and orangutan charities. Paul, who was born in Birkenhead, also kindly gave another £50,000 to the Salvation Army, an organisation he admired since they helped those in need during his childhood in Merseyside.
Most of Paul's money will go to his husband, Andre Portasio, his daughter Sharon Mousley, and his sister Sheila Rudd. His agent Joan Marshrons and nine other people, including his godchildren Milo and Otis Sainsbury, will also receive some money, according to The Sun. Paul also left £100,000 to help wild animals in other countries. This is for the Indian Wildlife Trust, called Wildlife SOS, and a group that helps orangutans in Borneo.
Paul was laid to rest next to his former partner Brendan Murphy in April last year. Brendan had been Paul's manager and partner before he passed away from a brain tumour in 2005, just before his 50th birthday.
Speaking with The Mirror about the loss of Brendan, Paul previously revealed: "I'd lost my best mate, someone who'd been in my life for 25 years and saw me through the days when I was lucky to earn £50 for standing on a beer crate in the corner of a pub telling jokes. Murph and I were like brothers joined at the hip, thick as thieves."
He also shared how unique their bond was, saying: "It transcended any sexual relationship we'd had. This was a partnership. A double act, Emma Peel and Steed, Laurel and Hardy. We were both 49, barely able to believe what we'd achieved I'd just won a BAFTA for the Paul O'Grady Show and then suddenly bang, he's gone."
Later in life, Paul found joy with Brazilian ballet dancer Andre after they met in a gay club in London. They married at the fancy Goring Hotel in Central London in 2017.
