Kurt Cobain passed away at the young age of 27 without leaving a will, resulting in significant confusion regarding the distribution of his estate. At the time of his death, he was largely critical of corporate influence, yet his passing propelled him into a highly profitable brand within the entertainment industry. Consequently, the responsibility for managing his legacy fell primarily on his wife, Courtney Love, and their young daughter, Frances Bean Cobain, who was only 19 months old at the time. Love inherited 98% of the publishing rights to Nirvana's music after Cobain's suicide in 1994.

Despite the substantial financial benefits derived from Cobain's musical legacy, Love described the experience as "overwhelming" and the management of the family estate became tumultuous. The financial dynamics shifted as it became clearer that Love's ability to manage her late husband's empire was fraught with challenges, ultimately leading to significant financial maneuvers which effectively divided the family fortune. The legacy of Cobain, described as the "voice of a generation," transcended his death, generating ongoing revenue but complicating familial relationships and responsibilities.

As Frances Bean Cobain grew older, she began to step into her own financial independence, diminishing the control previously held by Love. This transition not only signified Frances Bean's emergence as an independent individual but also highlighted the complexities of dealing with an inheritance linked to such a high-profile cultural figure. It reflects broader themes about legacy, parental control, and the burdensome nature of wealth that can complicate rather than simplify familial relationships.