Chandi Heffner is one of those rare people whose life feels like a story taken from a movie, filled with unexpected turns, emotional depth, and lessons about love, trust, and belonging. Her name first became known to the public in the 1980s when billionaire heiress Doris Duke adopted her as an adult, shocking high society and drawing the attention of the media around the world. What followed was a story that combined wealth, faith, and controversy. Yet, beneath all the headlines and rumors, Chandi Heffner’s life is about much more than an inheritance battle—it is about a woman who searched for meaning and peace and eventually found both far from fame and fortune.

Quick Bio

Who Is Chandi Heffner?

Early Life and Family Background

Chandi Heffner was born as Charlene Gail Heffner on August 26, 1953, in Baltimore, Maryland, into a modest and loving family. Her parents, William and Bunny Heffner, raised their children with traditional values and a strong sense of independence. Her father worked hard to support the family, while her mother focused on providing a caring and simple home environment. Chandi grew up with two sisters, Claudia and Arden, each of whom took different paths in life.

Her sister Claudia later became a fashion model and married Nelson Peltz, one of America’s wealthiest businessmen, making her the mother of actress Nicola Peltz, who married Brooklyn Beckham, son of David and Victoria Beckham. Chandi’s upbringing, however, was far removed from wealth and glamour. Her early life was peaceful and humble, which gave her a grounded sense of self that would later help her navigate the complexities of fame and fortune.

Chandi Heffner Age and Physical Details

Spiritual Journey

From a young age, Chandi was curious about the world and drawn to spirituality. She was not someone easily impressed by material things; instead, she sought meaning in faith, philosophy, and nature. In the 1970s, she moved to Hawaii, where she embraced a lifestyle centered on spirituality and simplicity. During that time, she became involved with the Hare Krishna movement, which encouraged meditation, devotion, and community service.

It was through this spiritual journey that she received the name “Chandi,” a Sanskrit word that represents feminine energy, strength, and divine power. The name reflected her personality—strong yet compassionate, calm yet determined. Her life in Hawaii was peaceful and focused on self-discovery, far away from the noise of city life. She lived simply, practiced meditation, and spent time in nature, finding happiness in things that money could never buy.

Meeting Doris Duke

Chandi’s life changed dramatically in the mid-1980s when she met Doris Duke, one of the richest women in the world. Doris Duke, the only child of tobacco tycoon James Buchanan Duke, had inherited a fortune worth billions. Despite her immense wealth, Duke lived a life of loneliness and tragedy. Her greatest sorrow was the loss of her only biological child, Arden, who died shortly after birth in 1940. By the time she met Chandi, Doris Duke was in her seventies and living mostly at her estate in Honolulu, Hawaii, known as Shangri-La.

The two women met through a mutual acquaintance, a belly-dancing instructor named Bobby Farrah, after Chandi suffered a knee injury. Doris, known for her generosity, invited Chandi to stay at her estate to recover. What began as an act of kindness soon grew into a deep friendship built on shared interests in spirituality, healing, and animal care.

Chandi Heffner’s Adoption by Doris Duke

As Doris and Chandi spent more time together, their bond grew stronger. Doris saw in Chandi the daughter she had always wanted, and Chandi offered Doris companionship, warmth, and emotional comfort. In 1988, Doris Duke made a decision that shocked her inner circle and the world—she legally adopted Chandi Heffner, who was then 35 years old. Adult adoptions were rare, especially among the wealthy, and the move raised questions about Doris’s motivations and mental state.

For Doris, the adoption was not about money but about love and spiritual belief. She was convinced that Chandi was the reincarnation of her lost daughter, Arden, and believed their souls were meant to be reunited. For a few years, their relationship was close and full of affection. Chandi became a constant presence in Duke’s life, accompanying her at social gatherings, traveling with her, and helping her run her household.

Life with Doris Duke

During this time, Chandi lived at Doris Duke’s Hawaiian estate and other properties, including her mansions in New Jersey and Rhode Island. Together, they enjoyed a lifestyle of luxury but also shared simple joys, such as caring for animals and practicing meditation. Doris trusted Chandi deeply and often referred to her as her daughter in public. Many people who worked for Duke noticed how happy she seemed with Chandi around. However, not everyone approved of the relationship.

Some members of Duke’s staff and advisors believed that Chandi had too much influence over the heiress and worried that she might take advantage of her. Despite these concerns, Doris continued to treat Chandi as family, proving that their connection went beyond money or appearances.

The Falling Out

By 1991, their once-loving relationship began to fall apart. The reasons behind the fallout remain unclear, but there were several rumors. Some claimed that Chandi’s relationship with James Burns, Doris Duke’s bodyguard, caused tension between the two women. Others suggested that Doris’s advisors, especially Bernard Lafferty, her butler who later became her estate’s executor, played a role in turning Duke against Chandi.

There were also whispers that Doris’s health was declining and that she became more easily influenced by the people around her. Whatever the truth, Doris Duke made a painful decision that changed both their lives—she revoked the adoption. By doing so, she legally removed Chandi as her daughter and cut her out of her will. The two women, who had once shared such a deep connection, grew apart, and Chandi was no longer part of the Duke household.

The Legal Battle

When Doris Duke passed away in 1993, her death reignited the story of her unusual adoption of Chandi Heffner. Duke’s estate was estimated to be worth over one billion dollars, and most of it was left to the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. Bernard Lafferty, the butler whom many said had gained Doris’s trust in her final years, was named executor of the estate. Chandi, who had been legally adopted and then later disowned, argued that she was still entitled to part of the inheritance.

She claimed that Doris Duke had made promises to care for her financially and that the revocation of the adoption was unfair and influenced by others. The case became one of the most publicized inheritance disputes in American history. The legal fight lasted for years, with both sides presenting evidence of manipulation, promises, and betrayal.

The Settlement

In 1995, the long legal battle came to an end. Chandi Heffner reached a settlement with the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and received around sixty-five million dollars. Although this was a large amount, it was only a fraction of what she might have inherited had the adoption remained valid. The settlement allowed Chandi to move on from the painful experience and focus on building a new life for herself. She did not seek publicity or further fame after that. Instead, she used her wealth to create a meaningful legacy through charitable work and compassion. For Chandi, the money was not a victory—it was a tool that allowed her to live quietly and continue helping others.

Life After Doris Duke

After the legal issues were settled, Chandi Heffner returned to Hawaii, where she found peace once again. She built a new life dedicated to philanthropy and animal welfare. She founded the CDH International Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides medical aid and support for both humans and animals. Her ranch in Waimea became a sanctuary for rescued horses, donkeys, and other animals in need of care. People who have visited her ranch describe it as a place of healing and kindness.

Chandi often says that working with animals brings her joy and teaches her patience and love. Through her foundation, she has also supported projects in India and other parts of the world, helping communities and promoting humane treatment of animals. Her work shows that she has turned her past experiences into something positive and meaningful.

Personal Life

Chandi’s personal life has also been the subject of interest over the years. In 1989, she participated in what the media called a “mock wedding” ceremony with actor Paul Reubens, who was best known for his character Pee-wee Herman. The event was lighthearted and not legally binding, and it was reportedly officiated by former First Lady of the Philippines, Imelda Marcos. Later, Chandi was involved in a long-term relationship with James Burns, the former bodyguard of Doris Duke.

That relationship eventually ended and led to a palimony lawsuit, which once again drew media attention. Despite the ups and downs, Chandi has always remained private about her romantic life. She has never married legally and has no children, choosing instead to dedicate her time and love to her animals and her charitable foundation.

Public Image and Legacy

Public opinion about Chandi Heffner has always been divided. Some people see her as someone who took advantage of an older woman, while others believe she was a loyal companion who genuinely cared for Doris Duke. Over time, as the controversy faded, more people came to respect her for the way she rebuilt her life and focused on positive causes. She no longer seeks attention or fame and prefers a quiet life surrounded by animals and nature. Her story is not just about money—it is about resilience, forgiveness, and finding peace after loss. She has shown that a person can overcome public judgment and personal hardship by choosing kindness and purpose.

Net Worth and Current Life

Today, Chandi Heffner’s net worth is estimated to be around twenty million dollars. Most of her wealth comes from the settlement she received from the Doris Duke estate. She continues to live in Hawaii, where she manages her ranch and nonprofit work. She avoids media interviews and public appearances, choosing instead to focus on the things that bring her happiness—her animals, her foundation, and her spiritual life. People who know her say she is kind, humble, and deeply spiritual. Even though she once lived in one of the most glamorous worlds imaginable, she has chosen a life that is peaceful and grounded.

Lessons from Her Story

Chandi Heffner’s life is a powerful reminder that money cannot buy love or happiness. Her journey shows how unpredictable life can be and how strength and compassion can lead someone through even the most difficult situations. She experienced both the beauty and pain of human relationships, and through it all, she learned the value of peace and purpose.

Her connection with Doris Duke was unusual and controversial, but it also revealed two people searching for something every human needs—love and belonging. Today, Chandi’s life stands as proof that it is possible to move beyond judgment and create a legacy built on kindness. Her story continues to fascinate people not because of the wealth or scandal it involved, but because of the way it reflects humanity, forgiveness, and the pursuit of inner peace.