7 Unforgettable Facts About Anna Kim Petty: Tom Petty's Artist Daughter Who Fought For His Legacy

The legacy of rock legend Tom Petty continues to resonate globally, but the private life of his family, particularly his younger daughter, Anna Kim Petty, has often remained shrouded in curiosity. As of December 11, 2025, the most recent public information about Anna Kim—who prefers to go by Annakim Violette—centers on her vibrant career as an artist and her pivotal, though often contentious, role in the post-mortem administration of her father’s extensive musical estate. This deep-dive explores the key aspects of her life, from her bohemian artistic endeavors to the high-stakes legal battle that defined her public profile in the years following her father's passing.

Anna Kim Petty has carved out her own unique path, far from the stadium lights, yet profoundly influenced by her famous father’s creative spirit. Her journey is one of artistic independence, personal mourning, and a fierce commitment to upholding what she and her sister, Adria Petty, believed were Tom Petty's final wishes regarding his artistic and financial properties.

Anna Kim Petty: A Complete Biography and Profile

Anna Kim Petty, known professionally as Annakim Violette, is an American artist, designer, and the youngest daughter of the late, iconic musician Tom Petty.

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• Full Name: Kimberly Violette Petty
• Preferred Name/Alias: Annakim Violette, Annakim Violette Petty, Anna Kim Petty
• Date of Birth: January 1982
• Current Age (as of December 2025): 43 years old
• Place of Birth: United States
• Nationality: American
• Father: Tom Petty (Thomas Earl Petty), legendary musician and frontman of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
• Mother: Jane Benyo, Tom Petty's first wife (married 1974–1996).
• Sibling: Adria Petty, elder sister and an acclaimed film director and editor.
• Stepmother: Dana York Petty (married 2001–2017).
• Profession: Artist, Designer, and Creative Consultant.
• Known For: Her bohemian art style, gallery shows, and her public involvement in the Tom Petty estate dispute.

The Bohemian Artist: Annakim Violette's Unique Creative Path

Unlike her sister Adria Petty, who followed a path in film and music video direction, Annakim Violette chose the world of visual and fashion art. Her creative output is a testament to her independent spirit, often described as bohemian and non-conformist.

A Non-Conformist Vision in Art and Fashion

Annakim's artistic sensibility clearly reflects a desire to stand apart from the mainstream. In a 2010 interview, she was quoted as saying she does not like to "follow the crowd" when it comes to her work in both art and fashion. This independent streak has led her to develop a distinctive style that resonates with an alternative and indie aesthetic.

Her work has earned her recognition within the art community, including gallery shows and features in prominent exhibitions. For example, she was featured in an exhibition showcasing portraits by the photographer Selby, indicating her presence and reputation in the contemporary art scene.

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The Influence of Rock and Roll Royalty

Growing up as the daughter of a rock and roll icon like Tom Petty undoubtedly shaped her artistic perspective. While her medium is visual, the energy, rebellion, and unique style of the rock world are subtly woven into her designs and art pieces. She has been described as a "bohemian artist/designer" with a clear creative career that includes gallery shows and indie projects.

The High-Stakes Battle Over the Tom Petty Estate

The most public and widely reported chapter of Anna Kim Petty's life post-2017 revolves around the legal conflict over her father’s estate. Following Tom Petty’s death, a months-long dispute erupted between his widow, Dana York Petty, and his two daughters, Annakim Violette and Adria Petty.

The Core of the Dispute: "Equal Participation"

The conflict centered on the interpretation and execution of the Thomas Early Petty Living Trust. Tom Petty’s will stipulated that his daughters should have "equal participation" in the management of his artistic properties, which included his music catalog, unreleased material, and associated intellectual property.

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Annakim and Adria Petty filed a civil suit in May 2019 against Dana Petty, alleging that their father’s wishes were not being honored. They claimed that Dana, as the directing trustee, was attempting to manage the estate without their required input. The daughters sought to transfer the artistic properties from the trust into a separate entity, Petty Unlimited LLC, where they would have joint control with Dana.

The Contentious Atmosphere and Resolution

The legal battle was reportedly contentious, with court filings indicating a breakdown in communication and even resorting to name-calling between the parties. The daughters alleged that Dana had attempted to block them from accessing information and participating in key decisions regarding their father's legacy, including the release of his music.

However, by late 2019, the three women—Dana York Petty, Adria Petty, and Annakim Violette—reached a settlement agreement, officially ending the months-long legal dispute over the administration of the estate. While the specific, confidential terms of the resolution were not made public, the settlement ensured that Tom Petty's legacy could move forward, allowing for the eventual release of archival material and continued management of his extensive catalog.

Annakim's Heartfelt Tributes and Personal Relationship with Her Father

Despite the public legal turmoil, Annakim Violette has consistently expressed deep love and cherished memories of her father, Tom Petty. Her public persona following his death was marked by heartfelt, intimate tributes shared on social media, offering a glimpse into their private bond.

A Daughter's Grief and Public Mourning

In the hours and days immediately following her father's cardiac arrest and subsequent passing in October 2017, Annakim shared a series of emotional photos and messages on Instagram. These posts allowed fans to see the personal side of the rock star through his daughter's eyes, highlighting their private moments and the close relationship they shared. She recalled their cherished memories, confirming the profound impact he had on her life.

In a poignant gesture, when she received the call about her father's hospitalization, Annakim grabbed a black blazer embellished with embroidered skulls, a piece of clothing that clearly held personal significance, demonstrating the immediate, emotional connection she felt to her father's spirit during that devastating time.

The Physical Resemblance and Shared Spirit

Fans and observers often note the striking physical resemblance between Annakim Violette and her father. Beyond the visual similarities, her career as an independent, non-conformist artist suggests a shared creative spirit and a refusal to be constrained by conventional expectations—a quality that defined much of Tom Petty’s career with The Heartbreakers.

Annakim Violette Petty’s story is a compelling blend of artistic freedom and the heavy burden of a rock and roll legacy. She continues to honor her father's memory not only through her personal tributes but also through her determined efforts to protect his artistic integrity and ensure his wishes were respected, a fight that ultimately secured a shared future for his enduring body of work.