Celebrity Sonny Bono Died Without Will By People Staff Published on June 8, 1999 12:00 AM Share Tweet Pin Email Rep. Mary Bono has a big problem on her hands. Her late husband Sonny died without a will, according to court papers filed by the congressman’s widow, who has been appointed administrator of her late husband’s estate. Many in the legal community say it’s surprising that someone of Sonny’s stature did not have a will and left his widow open to legal troubles. One potential problem already has surfaced: A man claiming to be Sonny’s illegitimate son is seeking a share of the estate.