E. Pierce Marshall, who feuded for years with former Playboy Playmate Anna Nicole Smith over his father's oil fortune, has died, his spokesman said Friday. He was 67.

Marshall died unexpectedly Tuesday evening in the Dallas area from a brief and extremely aggressive infection, the family said in a written statement released through spokesman David Margulies. He declined to provide additional details.

"The family would politely request that their privacy be respected during this extremely difficult time as they grapple with this devastating loss," the statement said.

Smith married Texas oil tycoon J. Howard Marshall II in 1994, when she was 26 and he was 89. He died the following year. Since then, E. Pierce Marshall has been locked in a legal battle over her entitlement to the estate. The U.S. Supreme Court last month revived former Playboy Playmate Anna Nicole Smith's pursuit of her late husband's oil fortune, ruling Monday that the one-time stripper deserves another day in court.

The case has had twists and turns. Smith won a $474 million judgment, which was cut to about $89 million and eventually reduced to zero.

Source: TMZ

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Posted by Lawren at June 26, 2006 06:26 AM | Trackbacks (0)

You Said

How lucky is Smith lately? I'm not sure which one I disliked more but I actually think it might have been Marshall. I mean, the old coot did MARRY her and it's not like the money she was after would have hurt Marshall. Greed is a terrible thing.

Says: Nanc' at June 26, 2006 06:59 AM

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In a word, no. Besides, marriage doesn't mean anything when it comes to who gets your stuff. In other words, it ain't automatic.

Says: Robert at July 10, 2006 06:12 PM

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