[Lancey Howard]

the estate of the late country star Jim Reeves, who died in 1964

"The late"??
How long is it before a dead person is no longer "the late"? It seems to me 47 years dead would disqualify somebody from being "the late". But then, what do I know?

[Revolting cat!]

Seriously, what is the meaning of “the late”? Isn’t Shakespeare “the late” Wiliam?

[nickcarraway]

How long is it before a dead person is no longer "the late"?

The correct answer is, when their estate is settled.