Remembering Juan Hamilton: Companion to Georgia O’Keeffe and Controversial Heir, Passes Away at 79

Juan Hamilton, an artist who devoted the last years of his life to the renowned painter Georgia O’Keeffe, passed away on February 20 at his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He was 79 years old. His death resulted from complications related to a subdural hematoma he suffered years earlier, as his wife Anna Marie Hamilton shared.

For the final decade of O’Keeffe’s life, Hamilton was her closest companion. When they met, he was a 27-year-old handyman, fresh out of a divorce. O’Keeffe, at 85, was a short, nearly blind icon of modern art, celebrated for her unique creativity and unwavering commitment to her craft.

O’Keeffe lived alone in rural New Mexico, far from her relatives in Wisconsin. Many of her guests were admirers who traveled long distances to meet her, hoping to gain her insights and influence.

Hamilton was one of these hopeful visitors. Their bond played a crucial role in deciding the fate of O’Keeffe’s estate, valued at around $90 million, and determined who would carry on her artistic legacy. This relationship also left Hamilton with a mix of wealth, an inconsistent career in art, and lasting memories that stayed with him until his death.

Their story began on Labor Day weekend in 1973, when Hamilton was working at Ghost Ranch, the expansive property where O’Keeffe spent her later years. From that initial meeting, his life changed forever as he became not only O’Keeffe’s caretaker but also her confidant and protégé.

Through their connection, Hamilton experienced the art world in a way few others could. His journey intertwined with O’Keeffe’s legacy, leaving an indelible mark on both their lives.

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Hamilton, Juan (1945-2025),O’Keeffe, Georgia,Art,Wills and Estates,Ceramics and Pottery,Sculpture,Deaths (Obituaries)