Gerry Rafferty's Fiancee Seeks Portion of Late Singer's Estate

Stuart Mostyn, Redferns

When Gerry Rafferty, the Scottish singer and songwriter behind the hits 'Baker Street' and 'Stuck in the Middle With You,' died last year at the age of 63, he was engaged to marry a woman named Ezina Fuschini. Unfortunately, the Stealers Wheel founder had written his will before meeting her in 2008, and as a result, she received no part of his $1.9 million estate.

Now, the Daily Mail reports, Fuschini has launched a legal fight to get what she says is her fair share of the money. Invoking Britain's Inheritance Act of 1975, a statute that allows individuals who had been financially supported by deceased parties to seek "reasonable financial provision," Rafferty's former fiancee is appealing to Britain's High Court.

Following Rafferty's death in January 2011 -- the result of liver failure brought on by years of alcohol abuse -- his entire estate went to his daughter, Martha. Songwriting royalties, meanwhile, were put in a trust given to his granddaughter Celia.