BB King leaves behind manager 'at war' with family

Patty King, daughter of B.B. King, cries outside Clark County Family Court in Las Vegas earlier in May Photo / AP

The family of BB King, who died on Thursday evening in a hospice in Las Vegas, will have to settle their differences with King's manager

The blues legend BB King, whose death at the age of 89 was announced on Thursday, has left behind a family at war with his manager.

Patti King, one of the singer and guitarist's 15 children, said she was distraught that she had not seen her father in the two weeks before he died.

It followed a legal battle with his business manager Laverne Toney, who had power of attorney over the musician, that ended in a court room a week ago.

Miss King and two siblings had accused Ms Toney of elder abuse and stealing from King, but a court sided with the manager and threw the complaints out.

Laverne Toney, center, arrives in Clark County Family Court. Photo / AP

Miss King said she had telephoned Ms Toney on Thursday morning asking to see her father, and an appointment had been scheduled for Saturday, TMZ reported.

"He was just such a great Dad," Miss King said. "He is so loved and so missed already."

Friends now fear an ugly dispute could develop over the estate, which may be worth up to $30 million, but Miss King said she would work with Ms Toney to ensure a fitting memorial service.

King was a towering influence over generations of musicians and had maintained a busy touring schedule until late last year when his health declined.

Tributes poured in from other musicians. Eric Clapton said: "He was a beacon for all of us who loved this kind of music, and I thank him from the bottom of my heart."

President Barack Obama, who sang "Sweet Home Chicago" with King at the White House three years ago, said: "The blues has lost its king, and America has lost a legend. BB may be gone, but that thrill will be with us forever. And there's going to be one killer blues session in heaven tonight."

Karen Williams, daughter of B.B. King. Photo / AP

Patty King, daughter of B.B. King, cries while leaving Clark County Family Court. Photo / AP

During his seven-decade career King produced 40 studio albums, 16 live albums and nearly 140 singles.

He was married twice and had 15 biological and adopted children, of whom 11 survive.

On April 30 police were called to his home in Las Vegas in what they described as "a domestic dispute over medical care." The dispute reportedly involved a disagreement between Patty King and Ms Toney.

King issued a final statement on May 1 saying he was entering hospice care at his home. He said: "Thanks to all for your well wishes and prayers."

Ms Toney added at the time: "Mr King is where he wishes to be. He's always told me he doesn't want to be in a hospital. He wants to be at home."

Earlier this month Patty King, and her siblings Karen Williams and Rita Washington, took legal action against Ms Toney claiming they were being prevented from seeing their father.

The petition alleged that Ms Toney blocked King's friends, including musicians Willie Nelson, Buddy Guy, Carlos Santana and Eric Clapton, from visiting him, and that large sums of money disappeared from King's bank accounts.

Brent Bryson, lead lawyer for BB King, described the claim as "laughable".

He said at the time: "It's all about money. Mr King is no longer out able to tour at this particular time so there's no money coming in. The only way they can get money now is by filing a frivolous type of action."

The judge, Jon Norheim, threw the case out leaving King's three daughters distressed and vowing that the "war" would continue.