Chandi Heffner is the adopted daughter of American billionaire Doris Duke. She gained further attention due to her alleged association with the late actor Paul Reubens.
Beyond these intriguing connections, Heffner’s background as an adopted and later disowned daughter of Doris Duke adds layers to her story.
This article will explore Chandi’s early life, her familial ties, her brief marriage, her career, her net worth, and more.
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Quick Bio
| Full Name | Charlene Gail Heffner |
| Known as | Chandi Heffner |
| Famous as | Doris Duke’s Daughter |
| Profession | Belly dancer |
| Date of Birth | 26 August 1953 |
| Place of Birth | Baltimore, USA |
| Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
| Age | 70 |
| Current Residency | Hawaii |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Ex-spouse | Paul Reubens (alleged) |
| Children | None |
| Adopted Parent | Doris Duke |
| Biological Parents | William Heffner and Bunny Heffner |
| Siblings | Arden Cromwell and Claudia Heffner |
| Gender | Female |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Net Worth | $20 million |
Chandi Heffner’s Early Life
Chandi Heffner, originally named Charlene Gail Heffner, was born on August 26, 1953, in Baltimore, USA. She is the biological daughter of William J. Heffner and Barbara Heffner.
She grew up alongside two sisters: Claudia Heffner, a former model, and Holly McCloskey. Raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Chandi attended a Catholic school.
There is limited available information about her early upbringing and education. Charlene was estranged from her family, except for her sister Claudia Heffner, with whom she maintained a connection.
Origin Of Chandi Heffner’s Name
In 1971, Chandi left her family and relocated to Hawaii, where she engaged herself in the Hare Krishna cult. During her time there, a guru granted her the name “Chandi.”
The name holds significance as it represents “female energy personified” in Sanskrit.
It was a significant spiritual transformation for Chandi as she embraced her new identity within the Hare Krishna community.
Chandi Heffner Was Adopted By Doris Duke
Doris Duke officially adopted Heffner in 1989 at the Somerset County Courthouse in Somerville.
Chandi was 35 years old when she was welcomed into the family by the 75-year-old Duke. After the adoption, Doris took responsibility for Chandi and appointed her as the executor of her will.
She also purchased a 290-acre horse ranch in the Kohala Mountains of Hawaii, valued at $1.5 million. It further strengthened their bond and provided Chandi with a significant asset for her future goals.
How Did Chandi Heffner And Doris Duke Meet?
Duke and Chandi first met through Bobby Farrah, their mutual belly dancing instructor. After Chandi had a knee injury, Duke sent an invitation for her to visit Shangri-La.
She offered Chandi reiki healing which is a method of healing by laying out hands. What began as a friendship grew into a stronger bond, leading to Heffner’s adoption by Doris.
Throughout their relationship, Duke showered Chandi with extravagant gifts.
Reason Behind Chandi’s Adoption
Reportedly, when Doris first encountered Chandi Heffner, she imagined her to be the reincarnation of her deceased daughter, Arden.
Arden was born prematurely on July 11, 1940, in Honolulu but tragically passed away the following day.
According to Doris Duke’s lawyer, Heffner often expressed disinterest in financial wealth, and Doris appreciated her companionship devoid of materialistic motives.
Doris eventually chose to adopt Chandi, solidifying their profound connection since there was no biological heir to inherit her vast estate.
End Of Chandi And Doris Duke’s Relationship
The pleasant mother-daughter relationship between Doris Duke and Chandi took a sour turn in 1991, just three years after the adoption.
Doris decided to reject the adoption and exclude any inheritance for her former adopted daughter in her will.
Some sources suggest that Chandi’s relationship with Duke’s bodyguard, James Burns, was the reason for the strained dynamics.
Despite speculations, the exact reasons behind the dispute remained unknown.
Chandi Heffner Sued Duke’s Estate
After being cut off from Doris Duke’s will, Chandi Heffner sued her adoptive mother’s estate 3 times.
Following the filing of the first lawsuit, Doris revised her will for the fifth time, appointing her butler, Bernard Lafferty, as the sole executor.
When Doris Duke passed away on October 28, 1993, Lafferty took over her $1.3 billion estate. The conditions in the will granted him a yearly salary of $500,000 and a $5 million payout if he resigned from his job.
After a three-year legal battle, Chandi settled on December 28, 1996, losing her claims to the estate in exchange for a payout of $65.8 million.
She received an initial payment of $800,000 on December 29, 1996, with the remaining $65 million due on January 5, 1996.
Chandi Heffner And Paul Reubens’ Wedding
Chandi Heffner and Paul Reubens have been speculated to be a married couple. However, their relationship was never officiated through traditional vows.
Rather, it was a “mock marriage,” that occurred spontaneously during a dinner party in 1989 at Shangri-la.
Jim Nabors serenaded the alleged couple during the event, and Filipino politician Imelda Marcos managed the proceedings.
How Did Chandi Heffner Meet Paul Reubens?
Introduced by a mutual friend, Jim Nabors, Paul Reubens, and Chandi met on the island of Hawaii.
Despite an instant connection, their relationship never surpassed the bounds of platonic affection, remaining firmly rooted in friendship.
Is Chandi Heffner Single?
As of now, no reports are indicating that Heffner is in a relationship. There have been no mentions of her being married, except for the playful parody wedding with the late actor Paul Reubens.
Beyond this event, details about any romantic involvement or marital status for Chandi Heffner have not surfaced in public reports.
Chandi Heffner Was Sued For Palimony
In the late 80s, Heffner was reportedly in a relationship with her then-boyfriend James Burns. Burns served as Chandi’s adoptive mother, Duke’s bodyguard.
Their relationship began in 1989, and they lived together from 1990 to 1993 while Heffner legally challenged her removal from Miss Duke’s will.
They had an agreement to share any inheritance Heffner might receive. However, after securing a sum of $65 million in the settlement, Chandi ended their relationship.
Later, Burns filed a palimony suit in Los Angeles Superior Court in July 1996, seeking over $33 million.
Chandi Heffner’s Philanthropy
Chandi is famous as a philanthropist. She is the founder and President of CDHIF USA in Waimea, Hawaii, since 1998, with an extension branch of CDHIFI in India.
Her non-profit organization is dedicated to providing medical assistance to people and animals in need.
This small-scale initiative has now become a significant operation, helping over 80,000 and 50,000 animal patients.
Chandi Heffner’s Net Worth
As of 2024, Chandi has a net worth of $20 million, primarily amassed through inheritance from the Duke estate and her philanthropic journey.
Her mother, Doris, was among the wealthiest individuals globally, with a net worth of $5.3 billion at the time of her passing.
The Doris Duke Foundation, established by her mother, is valued at over $2 billion as of 2024.
Chandi’s financial status shows both her family’s wealth and her own contributions to society through her charitable initiatives.
Where Is Chandi Heffner Now?
Heffner splits her time between Hawaii and India because of her compassion for animals and dedication to philanthropy.
She has established a ranch in Hawaii where rescued horses, birds, donkeys, pigs, and other animals find shelter.
Chandi remains committed to her non-profits, CDHIF USA and CDHIFI. She devotes most of her time to India, focusing on her organizations there.
These initiatives aim to offer free medical treatment and support to needy families, reflecting Chandi’s dedication to humanitarian causes.
