Chandi Heffner is a philanthropist and former Hare Krishna devotee best known as the adopted daughter of tobacco heiress Doris Duke, once called “the richest girl in the world.” Born Charlene Gail Heffner in 1953, her extraordinary life journey includes a controversial adoption, a $65 million legal settlement, and decades of dedicated humanitarian work helping impoverished communities in India and Hawaii.
Quick Facts About Chandi Heffner
| Full Name | Charlene Gail “Chandi” Heffner |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 26, 1953 |
| Age | 71 years old (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Baltimore, Maryland, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Philanthropist, Foundation President |
| Famous For | Adopted daughter of Doris Duke |
| Net Worth | Estimated $70-75 million |
| Foundation | CDHIF USA & CDHIFI India |
| Years with Doris Duke | 1985-1991 |
| Settlement Amount | $65 million (1995) |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
Early Life and Background in Baltimore
Chandi Heffner was born Charlene Gail Heffner on August 26, 1953, in Baltimore, Maryland, to William and Barbara Heffner. Her father was an attorney while her mother worked as a nurse, providing a stable middle-class upbringing. Growing up alongside her sisters Claudia and Holly, Chandi experienced a relatively ordinary childhood that gave her a foundation of strength and resilience.
The Heffner family maintained privacy and normalcy, far removed from the world of wealth and high society that Chandi would later enter. Despite this simple upbringing, Chandi developed interests that would shape her future path. She attended a Catholic school in Baltimore, where she received a solid education and was exposed to spiritual teachings that would influence her later religious exploration.
From a young age, Chandi showed an interest in dance, particularly belly dancing—an art form that combined physical expression with cultural storytelling. This passion for dance would later play an unexpected but significant role in her connection to Doris Duke. The discipline and dedication required for mastering dance reflected Chandi’s determined personality and willingness to pursue unconventional paths.
Her connection to billionaire Nelson Peltz’s family is also noteworthy. Chandi’s sister Claudia later married Nelson Peltz, making Chandi the aunt of actress Nicola Peltz, who married Brooklyn Beckham in 2022. This family connection linked the Heffners to another prominent American business dynasty, though Chandi’s own fame would come through entirely different circumstances.
Spiritual Journey and the Hare Krishna Movement
At age 18, Chandi Heffner made a life-changing decision to leave Baltimore and move to Hawaii, seeking spiritual fulfillment and a deeper understanding of life’s meaning. The 1970s represented an era of spiritual exploration in America, with many young people rejecting materialism in favor of Eastern philosophies and alternative lifestyles.
In Hawaii, Chandi discovered the Hare Krishna movement, officially known as the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). Founded in 1966, this religious organization promoted devotion to Krishna through chanting, meditation, vegetarianism, and simple living. The movement attracted thousands of young Americans seeking meaning beyond conventional Western lifestyles.
Chandi embraced the Hare Krishna philosophy wholeheartedly, adopting their practices and spiritual beliefs. It was during this period that she took the name “Chandi,” which holds deep spiritual significance. In Sanskrit, Chandi means “female energy personified” or “fierce goddess,” representing strength, protection, and divine feminine power. This name reflected Chandi’s spiritual transformation and her commitment to a path that valued inner growth over material possessions.
As a devoted member of the Hare Krishna community in Hawaii, Chandi practiced yoga, studied Hindu texts, and participated in the communal lifestyle that characterized many Krishna temples. This period of her life emphasized simplicity, spirituality, and service to others—values that would later inform her philanthropic work, even after she left the formal religious community.
Her involvement with the Hare Krishna movement also led her to believe in reincarnation and spiritual connections that transcended physical death. These beliefs would become central to her relationship with Doris Duke, as they shared an interest in spirituality, Eastern philosophy, and the possibility of souls returning in new forms.
Meeting Doris Duke: A Fateful Connection
In 1985, when Chandi was 32 years old, she met Doris Duke, who was then 72 and one of the wealthiest women in the United States. The circumstances of their meeting have been described variously, with some accounts suggesting they connected through mutual interests in dance and spirituality, while others indicate they met through social circles in Hawaii where both women spent considerable time.
Doris Duke was born on November 22, 1912, and became known as “the richest girl in the world” when she inherited a vast tobacco fortune from her father, James Buchanan Duke, founder of the American Tobacco Company. By the time she met Chandi, Doris had lived an extraordinary life filled with marriages, travel, art collecting, and philanthropy. Despite her immense wealth, Doris struggled with loneliness and a deep sense of loss related to her only biological child, Arden, who died just one day after being born prematurely in Honolulu in 1940.
The connection between Chandi and Doris developed quickly, based on their shared interests in Eastern spirituality, Islamic art, dance, and Hawaiian culture. Chandi’s background as a belly dancer fascinated Doris, who appreciated artistic expression and cultural diversity. Their conversations about reincarnation and spiritual matters created an intimate bond that transcended their age difference and vastly different backgrounds.
What made their relationship particularly unusual was Doris’s belief that Chandi was the reincarnation of her deceased daughter Arden. This conviction, whether based on spiritual insight or emotional need, became the foundation of their connection. For Doris, who had mourned her lost child for decades, Chandi represented a second chance at motherhood and family connection. For Chandi, the relationship offered not only material security but also a meaningful role in the life of a legendary woman.
This mutual fascination quickly evolved into a mother-daughter dynamic, with Doris viewing Chandi as her spiritual offspring and Chandi embracing the opportunity to care for the aging heiress. Their relationship, though unconventional, appeared genuine in its early years, with both women finding companionship and purpose in their connection.
The Adoption: A Controversial Decision
On September 2, 1988, in Hawaii, Doris Duke made the extraordinary decision to legally adopt Chandi Heffner, who was then 35 years old. At 75 years old, Doris formalized what she considered a spiritual truth—that Chandi was her daughter returned to her through reincarnation. This adult adoption was highly unusual and would later become the subject of intense legal scrutiny and public fascination.
The adoption process, while legal, raised eyebrows in social circles and the media. Adult adoptions are permitted under American law but are relatively rare, especially when involving such vast wealth and significant age differences. Critics questioned whether Doris was manipulated by a younger woman seeking access to her fortune, while supporters argued that Doris, known for her independence and strong will, made her own decisions throughout her life.
Following the adoption, Doris showered Chandi with lavish gifts and opportunities. She purchased a sprawling horse ranch in Hawaii worth over $1 million for her newly adopted daughter, allowing Chandi to pursue her passion for animals and equestrian activities. Chandi was integrated into Doris’s lifestyle, traveling with her to various estates, attending social events, and participating in Doris’s art collecting and philanthropic activities.
The adoption also meant Chandi was potentially positioned to inherit from the trusts established by Doris’s father, James Buchanan Duke, which specified that income should be payable to any children or grandchildren. This financial aspect, while perhaps not the primary motivation for the adoption, certainly added significant stakes to their relationship.
For approximately three years, Chandi lived as Doris Duke’s daughter and companion. She managed aspects of Doris’s household, accompanied her on travels, and seemed to provide the companionship and family connection Doris had long desired. The early years of their mother-daughter relationship appeared harmonious, with both women benefiting from the arrangement—Doris gained family, while Chandi gained security and purpose.
However, the idyllic nature of their relationship would not last. The introduction of other people into their intimate circle would eventually create tensions and suspicions that would tear apart their bond and lead to years of legal battles.
The Fall and Introduction of Bernard Lafferty
The beginning of the end of Chandi and Doris’s relationship can be traced to Chandi’s introduction of two men into Doris Duke’s household: her boyfriend James Burns and an Irishman named Bernard Lafferty. These introductions, made innocently enough, would ultimately prove catastrophic for Chandi’s position in Doris’s life and will.
James Burns became Doris’s bodyguard and also provided physical therapy for her legs as a personal trainer. He maintained a romantic relationship with Chandi, which Doris initially accepted. Burns also worked with Lafferty, helping him with physical fitness. The household seemed to function well with these additional members, at least initially.
Bernard Lafferty, a poor Irishman who previously worked as a butler for singer Peggy Lee, was hired to serve as Doris’s butler. According to various accounts, Lafferty was not particularly intelligent but possessed a charming manner that appealed to Doris. What started as simple employment gradually evolved into something more concerning—Lafferty developed what some described as a fixation on his wealthy employer.
During the winter of 1990, the situation took a dramatic turn when Doris Duke became mysteriously ill at her home in Hawaii. Shortly after, she suffered a fall that knocked her unconscious. The circumstances surrounding these events remain suspicious to this day, with conflicting accounts about what actually happened and who was responsible.
It was during this vulnerable period that Lafferty allegedly began promoting the idea that Chandi and Burns were conspiring against Doris. Whether these allegations had any basis in reality or were manufactured by Lafferty to increase his own influence remains unclear. What is certain is that Doris, frightened and disoriented, began to believe that the adopted daughter she once loved was now plotting against her.
Lafferty convinced Doris to flee Hawaii with him, taking her to her Beverly Hills mansion, Falcon Lair. Once in California, isolated from Chandi and others who had been part of her life, Doris sank into a deep depression. The combination of her declining health, possible manipulation by Lafferty, and suspicions about Chandi created a perfect storm that would destroy the mother-daughter relationship.
In 1991, at age 79, Doris severed all relations with Chandi, giving Lafferty total control over her household and personal affairs. The adoption, which had seemed so meaningful just three years earlier, was now something Doris regretted. She would later write in her final will that she was “extremely troubled” by the adoption and convinced that Chandi’s “primary motive was financial gain.”
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The Legal Battles and $65 Million Settlement
Following her disinheritance, Chandi Heffner did not simply accept losing her place in Doris Duke’s life and will. She filed a breach-of-contract lawsuit against Duke’s estate, arguing that Doris had promised to support her for life. This legal battle would become one of the most publicized estate disputes in American history, attracting intense media attention and public fascination.
Doris Duke died on October 28, 1993, at her Falcon Lair home in Los Angeles at age 80. The cause of death was listed as progressive pulmonary edema resulting in cardiac arrest, though rumors and accusations of foul play swirled immediately after. Duke was cremated within 24 hours of her death, and her ashes were scattered into the Pacific Ocean as specified in her will—a process so rapid that it prevented any thorough investigation into the circumstances of her death.
Duke’s final will, signed in April 1993 while she was hospitalized at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, specifically stated that she regretted adopting Chandi and wished her to receive nothing from the estate or the trust funds established by her father. The vast majority of Doris’s $1.2 billion estate was left to create charitable foundations, with Bernard Lafferty named as executor—a decision that itself sparked numerous legal challenges.
Despite being explicitly disinherited, Chandi pressed forward with her lawsuit. Her legal team argued that Doris had made promises to care for Chandi for life, and that these promises constituted a binding contract. The case highlighted the complex relationship between the two women and raised questions about whether Doris was mentally competent when she signed her final will, given her declining health and heavy medication.
After years of contentious litigation, on December 28, 1995—just three days after Christmas—the estate’s trustees reached a settlement with Chandi Heffner. Rather than continue fighting and risk an uncertain jury verdict, the trustees agreed to pay Chandi $65 million to drop her claim against the estate. This amount, equivalent to approximately $124 million in today’s dollars, represented one of the largest inheritance settlements in American history.
The $65 million settlement vindicated Chandi’s claim that she was owed compensation for the promises made to her, even if she wouldn’t inherit as Doris’s daughter under the trust funds. It also allowed the estate to avoid further costly litigation and move forward with establishing the charitable foundations Doris had envisioned. The settlement meant that despite the failed adoption and painful estrangement, Chandi emerged with financial security and the resources to pursue her own philanthropic vision.
Establishing the Chandi Heffner International Foundation
Rather than simply living off her settlement, Chandi Heffner chose to channel her resources into helping others. In 1994, even before her legal settlement was finalized, Chandi established the Chandi D. Heffner International Foundation (CDHIF) USA, demonstrating her commitment to making a positive impact in the world. A counterpart organization, CDHIFI India, was created to work specifically in rural Indian communities.
The foundation’s mission focuses on serving people in rural areas where money, jobs, healthcare, and education are scarce. Chandi took a hands-on approach from the beginning, undertaking humanitarian work in the field rather than simply writing checks from afar. This direct involvement reflected her genuine desire to understand the needs of communities and provide meaningful assistance.
CDHIF USA and CDHIFI India have directed numerous projects over more than two decades to ease suffering and improve conditions for hundreds of thousands of people in India. The foundation provides medical care to communities with limited access to healthcare, often setting up mobile clinics or supporting local medical facilities. They also distribute food to malnourished populations and provide veterinary care for animals, recognizing that livestock represents crucial economic assets for rural families.
Beyond meeting basic needs, Chandi’s foundation devotes resources to cultural preservation efforts in India. As someone who appreciates rich and diverse cultures, Chandi has implemented several projects to help preserve traditional arts that might otherwise disappear in the face of modernization. The foundation sponsors performing arts competitions that award cash prizes to performers and provide food to all attendees, creating community celebrations while supporting artists.
The foundation also strives to encourage continued production of handicrafts, ensuring there is a market for traditional products by purchasing them from local artisans. This approach provides income while preserving cultural heritage, creating sustainable support rather than temporary charity.
Notably, officers and trustees of CDHIF USA and CDHIFI do not receive pay or reimbursement for their work with the foundations, ensuring that donated funds go directly to programs rather than administrative costs. This model reflects Chandi’s commitment to maximizing the impact of every dollar spent.
Personal Life and Marriage to Paul Reubens
Beyond her public role as philanthropist and Doris Duke’s former adopted daughter, Chandi Heffner maintained a personal life that she generally kept private. One of the most interesting aspects of her personal life was her marriage to Paul Reubens, better known as the actor and comedian who created the beloved character Pee-wee Herman.
Paul Reubens was born Paul Rubenfeld on August 27, 1952, making him almost exactly one year older than Chandi. He achieved fame in the 1980s with his quirky character Pee-wee Herman, starring in films like “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure” (1985) and the television series “Pee-wee’s Playhouse” (1986-1990). Reubens became a cultural icon, known for his childlike character’s signature gray suit, red bow tie, and catchphrases.
Details about Chandi and Paul’s relationship remain largely private, with neither speaking extensively about their marriage in public forums. Their wedding was a private ceremony, consistent with both individuals’ preference for keeping personal matters away from media attention. The marriage represented an unusual pairing—the spiritual philanthropist and the quirky entertainer—but suggested that Chandi valued creativity, humor, and unconventional thinking.
The duration and specific details of their marriage are not widely documented, and it appears the couple eventually divorced or separated, though the exact timeline remains unclear. What is certain is that both Chandi and Paul maintained respect for each other’s privacy throughout and after their relationship.
Paul Reubens sadly passed away on July 30, 2023, at age 70 after a private battle with cancer. His death marked the loss of a unique talent who brought joy to millions through his distinctive comedic style. For Chandi, it represented the loss of someone who had been part of her personal journey and life story.
Current Life and Philanthropic Work
Now 71 years old, Chandi Heffner lives a quieter life focused on continuing her humanitarian work and caring for animals. She divides her time between Hawaii and India, two places that have held special significance throughout her life. In Hawaii, she maintains a palatial ranch that takes in rescued horses, donkeys, pigs, birds, and many other animals, reflecting her lifelong love for all living creatures.
Chandi’s involvement in equestrian sports has been notable. She was the owner of the horse Authentic, whose rider took home the Gold Medal in show jumping for Team USA at the 2004 Athens Olympics—a proud moment that showcased her commitment to excellence in equestrian activities. Although polo and horse jumping remain her favorite equestrian pursuits, Chandi currently spends the majority of her time overseeing her foundations’ work in USA and India.
The work in India continues to expand, with CDHIF India reaching more communities each year. Chandi’s hands-on approach means she regularly travels to India to oversee projects, meet with local leaders, and understand evolving needs. This direct involvement ensures the foundation remains responsive and effective, adapting programs based on real-world results rather than abstract theories.
Media coverage of Chandi has evolved significantly over time. Early portrayals focused on wealth, mystery, and controversy surrounding her adoption by Doris Duke and subsequent legal battles. The public often viewed her through the lens of scandal and drama, with many assuming she was simply a gold-digger who manipulated an elderly woman for financial gain.
However, as years passed and her philanthropic work became more visible, public perception shifted. Today, many see Chandi as a woman who overcame great challenges and chose to dedicate her life and resources to helping others. Her decades of consistent charitable work demonstrate authenticity that no amount of public relations could fabricate. This evolution in public perception highlights Chandi’s resilience and ability to redefine herself beyond early controversies.
Net Worth and Financial Overview
As of 2025, Chandi Heffner’s estimated net worth is approximately $70-75 million. This wealth primarily derives from the $65 million settlement she received from Doris Duke’s estate in 1995, which would be equivalent to approximately $124 million in today’s dollars. However, Chandi has invested and spent these funds over the past three decades, both for personal needs and extensive philanthropic work.
The settlement amount represented a vindication of Chandi’s claim that she was promised lifetime support by Doris Duke. While she didn’t inherit as Duke’s legal daughter under the family trusts, the settlement acknowledged that promises were made and broken. This financial security has allowed Chandi to pursue humanitarian work without financial stress, though she maintains a relatively modest lifestyle compared to what her wealth could support.
Chandi’s ranch in Hawaii represents a significant asset, providing both personal residence and sanctuary for rescued animals. The property allows her to live according to her values—caring for creatures in need while maintaining privacy away from public scrutiny. The ranch reflects her spiritual beliefs about compassion for all living beings and her commitment to providing safe spaces for vulnerable animals.
Her foundation work requires ongoing financial investment. While Chandi uses her personal wealth to fund much of the foundation’s operations, she also accepts donations from others who support the mission. The decision not to pay foundation officers or trustees, including herself, ensures maximum impact from available resources while demonstrating Chandi’s genuine commitment to service rather than profit.
Compared to the vast fortune Doris Duke possessed—estimated at $1.2 billion at her death—Chandi’s settlement represents only a small fraction. However, for Chandi, who grew up in a middle-class Baltimore family, the settlement provided resources beyond anything she might have accumulated otherwise. More importantly, it gave her the means to make a meaningful difference in the lives of countless people and animals.
Life Lessons and Spiritual Growth
Chandi Heffner’s extraordinary life journey offers numerous lessons about resilience, spirituality, and finding purpose beyond material wealth. Her story demonstrates how a person can navigate extreme circumstances—from spiritual seeker to adopted heiress to disinherited daughter to established philanthropist—while maintaining core values and commitment to helping others.
The spiritual foundation Chandi developed during her years with the Hare Krishna movement provided tools for navigating the challenging periods of her life. The practices of meditation, yoga, and spiritual study helped her maintain equilibrium during the intense legal battles and public scrutiny following her break with Doris Duke. Her belief in reincarnation and spiritual growth likely helped her process the painful rejection by the woman she considered her mother.
Chandi’s experience with Doris Duke taught her about the complexities of wealth, family, and trust. The relationship showed that money cannot buy genuine love or loyalty, and that even the wealthiest individuals struggle with loneliness and vulnerability. These lessons informed Chandi’s own approach to wealth—using it as a tool for positive change rather than as an end in itself.
The transformation from controversial figure to respected philanthropist required time, consistency, and genuine commitment. Chandi couldn’t simply announce her intentions to help others; she had to demonstrate through decades of work that her dedication was real. This long-term consistency has ultimately redefined her public image and personal legacy.
Her work with animals reflects Buddhist and Hindu principles of compassion for all sentient beings. By maintaining a rescue ranch and ensuring animals receive care and safety, Chandi practices the values she learned during her spiritual journey. This consistency between beliefs and actions demonstrates authentic spiritual growth rather than superficial adherence to religious practices.
Lesser-Known Facts About Chandi Heffner
Beyond the well-known aspects of her life, several interesting details provide a fuller picture of Chandi Heffner’s character and experiences. Her birth name, Charlene Gail Heffner, was transformed into the more spiritual “Chandi” during her Hare Krishna years, demonstrating her willingness to embrace new identities and spiritual transformations. The name stuck even after she moved beyond formal religious affiliation, suggesting its personal meaning remained important.
Her skills as a belly dancer were not mere hobby but reflected serious dedication to an art form that requires years of practice and physical discipline. Belly dancing combines artistic expression with physical fitness and cultural storytelling, revealing Chandi’s appreciation for traditional arts long before her work preserving Indian cultural heritage.
The connection to Nelson Peltz’s family through her sister Claudia created an interesting dynamic. While Chandi was embroiled in legal battles with Doris Duke’s estate in the mid-1990s, her sister was building a life with billionaire businessman Peltz. This meant Chandi had family connections to multiple wealthy, prominent families, though she carved her own independent path.
Chandi’s ownership of the Olympic gold medal-winning horse Authentic showcased her commitment to excellence in equestrian sports. The 2004 Athens Olympics gold medal in show jumping for Team USA represented a pinnacle achievement in competitive riding, demonstrating that Chandi’s involvement in horses extended beyond rescue work to world-class competition.
Despite inheriting $65 million from one of America’s most famous estates, Chandi has maintained a remarkably low public profile. She has no active social media presence and rarely grants interviews, preferring to let her humanitarian work speak for itself. This privacy stands in stark contrast to modern celebrity culture where many leverage far less noteworthy achievements for constant attention.
Her work in India spans more than two decades, demonstrating long-term commitment rather than superficial charity tourism. The foundation’s focus on rural communities reflects understanding that the most vulnerable populations often receive the least assistance, as they lack the visibility and political influence of urban centers.
Legacy: Beyond the Doris Duke Story
While Chandi Heffner will likely always be remembered in connection to Doris Duke, her own legacy extends far beyond that controversial relationship. The more than 25 years she has devoted to humanitarian work in India and animal rescue in Hawaii represent her true life’s work—not the brief period as Duke’s adopted daughter.
The Chandi Heffner International Foundation’s impact can be measured in the hundreds of thousands of people who have received medical care, food assistance, and economic opportunities they wouldn’t have accessed otherwise. These tangible benefits continue year after year, creating lasting positive change in communities that often feel forgotten by the world.
Chandi’s approach to philanthropy—hands-on, culturally sensitive, and focused on preservation as well as relief—offers a model for effective charitable work. Rather than imposing Western solutions on Indian communities, her foundation respects local culture while providing needed resources. This culturally competent approach increases effectiveness and builds sustainable change.
Her animal rescue work demonstrates that compassion extends beyond human concerns. The ranch in Hawaii provides safety for creatures who would otherwise face abandonment, abuse, or death. This comprehensive view of compassion reflects spiritual maturity and genuine caring rather than selective concern only for those who can reciprocate.
The evolution from controversial figure to respected philanthropist shows that people can transcend their past and redefine their legacies through consistent action. Chandi didn’t simply wait for public perception to improve; she worked diligently for decades to earn respect through meaningful contributions. This transformation offers hope that redemption and reinvention are always possible.
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Final Thoughts
Chandi Heffner’s life reads like an improbable novel—a middle-class Baltimore girl who became a Hare Krishna devotee, belly dancer, adopted daughter of one of the world’s wealthiest women, participant in a sensational legal battle, and ultimately a dedicated philanthropist improving countless lives. Each chapter of her story seems unlikely, yet taken together they create a coherent narrative about spiritual seeking, resilience, and finding purpose.
The relationship with Doris Duke, while ultimately painful, provided Chandi with resources she has used for good. Whether Duke intended this outcome or not, her wealth has continued to help vulnerable populations through Chandi’s foundation work. In this sense, both women’s legacies are intertwined—Duke’s money continues doing good work through Chandi’s hands and heart.
At 71 years old, Chandi has lived long enough to see public perception shift from suspicion to respect. This transformation wasn’t accidental but resulted from decades of consistent, authentic service. Her story reminds us that character is ultimately demonstrated through actions over time, not through isolated moments or controversial episodes.
The name “Chandi,” meaning fierce female energy, proved prophetic. Chandi Heffner has indeed demonstrated fierce energy—surviving legal battles, public scrutiny, personal losses, and the challenges of running international humanitarian operations. But this energy has been channeled into positive purposes, helping others rather than merely enriching herself.
As she continues her work in Hawaii and India, Chandi Heffner represents a model of spiritual values translated into practical action. Her journey from spiritual seeker to practical philanthropist shows that genuine spiritual growth manifests not in rhetoric but in compassionate service. This authenticity—living according to stated values—remains her most admirable quality and lasting legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Chandi Heffner and why is she famous?
Chandi Heffner, born Charlene Gail Heffner on August 26, 1953, in Baltimore, Maryland, is a philanthropist and former Hare Krishna devotee famous for being the adopted daughter of tobacco heiress Doris Duke. At age 35, she was legally adopted by the 75-year-old Duke in 1988, who believed Chandi was the reincarnation of her deceased infant daughter Arden. Their relationship ended in 1991, leading to a highly publicized legal battle. After Duke’s death in 1993, Chandi received a $65 million settlement and has since dedicated her life to humanitarian work through her international foundation.
2. What happened between Chandi Heffner and Doris Duke?
Chandi and Doris Duke met in 1985 and developed a close mother-daughter relationship based on shared interests in spirituality and Eastern philosophy. Duke adopted Chandi in 1988, believing she was the reincarnation of her deceased daughter. However, their relationship deteriorated in 1990-1991, allegedly due to influence from Duke’s butler Bernard Lafferty, who convinced Duke that Chandi was plotting against her. Duke severed the relationship, reversed the adoption in spirit, and disinherited Chandi in her final will. Despite this, Chandi won a $65 million settlement in 1995 by proving Duke had promised to support her for life.
3. How much money did Chandi Heffner inherit from Doris Duke?
Chandi Heffner did not technically inherit from Doris Duke’s estate, as Duke’s final will explicitly disinherited her. However, Chandi filed a breach-of-contract lawsuit and won a settlement of $65 million in December 1995 (equivalent to approximately $124 million today). This settlement was paid by Duke’s estate trustees to avoid further litigation and compensate Chandi for Duke’s broken promises to support her for life. This amount represented only a small fraction of Duke’s $1.2 billion fortune, most of which went to establishing charitable foundations.
4. What does Chandi Heffner do now and what is her net worth?
As of 2025, Chandi Heffner, now 71 years old, is the founder and president of the Chandi D. Heffner International Foundation (CDHIF) USA and its counterpart CDHIFI India. She divides her time between Hawaii, where she maintains a ranch for rescued animals, and India, where her foundation provides medical care, food, education, and cultural preservation programs to rural communities. Her estimated net worth is $70-75 million, derived from her 1995 settlement. Chandi has devoted over 25 years to hands-on humanitarian work and animal rescue.
5. Was Chandi Heffner married to Paul Reubens (Pee-wee Herman)?
Yes, Chandi Heffner was married to Paul Reubens, the actor and comedian famous for creating the character Pee-wee Herman. Details about their relationship remain private, as both individuals preferred to keep personal matters away from media attention. The exact duration and timeline of their marriage are not widely documented, and the couple eventually divorced or separated. Paul Reubens passed away on July 30, 2023, at age 70 after a private battle with cancer. Their marriage represented an interesting pairing between the spiritual philanthropist and the quirky entertainer.
Chandi Heffner’s remarkable journey from spiritual seeker to controversial heiress to dedicated philanthropist demonstrates that life’s most meaningful achievements often come through overcoming adversity and choosing service over self-interest.
