It is hard to look at a 90,000-square-foot house and see anything other than a monument to ego. For years, the world has done exactly that with Jackie and David Siegel, the couple behind the infamous "Versailles" mansion in Windermere, Florida. We’ve watched the documentaries, scrolled through the "Queen of Versailles" memes, and laughed at the sheer absurdity of a 20-car garage and a roller rink in a private residence.
But honestly? Most of the narrative around the Siegels is stuck in 2012.
The story has shifted. It’s no longer just a "rich people problems" reality show. Between the sudden passing of David Siegel in April 2025 and the family’s radical pivot toward opioid activism, the Versailles saga has become something much more human—and significantly more tragic—than a quest for the world's largest closet.
The Passing of the "Timeshare King"
On April 5, 2025, the era of the Timeshare King officially ended. David Siegel died at the age of 89, leaving behind an empire that started in a literal garage and grew into Westgate Resorts, one of the largest privately held timeshare companies on the planet.
He didn't just build hotels; he built a category of travel.
David was a polarizing figure, sure. To some, he was the embodiment of the American Dream—a man who worked until his final days, expanding his portfolio even in early 2025 with the acquisition of VI Resorts. To others, he represented the excesses that led to the 2008 financial crisis. But regardless of your take on timeshares, his influence on Central Florida’s economy was massive.
He died surrounded by his family, including Jackie and their children. It marks a massive turning point for the Siegel brand. Now, the "Queen" is at the helm of a legacy that is much heavier than it was when the cameras first started rolling.
Why Versailles Still Isn't Finished
You’ve probably asked: "Why is that house still a construction zone?"
It’s been over 20 years. Two decades. That’s longer than it took to build the actual Palace of Versailles in France.
Jackie Siegel recently gave updates in early 2025, basically saying they were "getting closer." But "closer" is relative when you’re dealing with $10 million in hurricane damage (thanks, Ian) and a floor plan that includes nine kitchens.
Here is the reality of the Versailles mansion as of 2026:
- It is estimated to be worth over $100 million upon completion.
- The exterior is largely Pavonazzo marble.
- It features some of the last legal Brazilian mahogany in the world.
- There are three indoor pools and a ballroom that can hold 1,000 people.
The house isn't just a home anymore; it's a project that refuses to die. Jackie has spent the last year showing off glimpses of gold-adorned ceilings and massive crystal chandeliers on social media, but the tarps and scaffolding are still very much part of the decor. It’s a strange, gilded limbo.
The Broadway Gamble
If you thought the house was the Siegels' biggest venture, you haven't been following the theater news. The "Queen of Versailles" musical, starring the legendary Kristin Chenoweth as Jackie, hit Broadway in late 2025.
It was a bold move.
The show attempted to turn the Siegels' life into a Stephen Schwartz-scored spectacle. However, the reception was... mixed, to put it politely. While Chenoweth’s performance was praised, the show struggled with its tone. How do you make a sympathetic musical about people building a 90,000-square-foot house during a recession?
The production faced hurdles, including an early closing announcement for December 2021, 2025. It seems the "Versailles" curse—the inability to find a finishing line—followed the story from Florida to 44th Street.
The Heart of the Story: Victoria’s Voice
If we’re being real, the most important thing about Jackie and David Siegel isn't the marble or the private jets. It’s what happened in 2015.
The death of their daughter, Victoria Siegel, to an accidental drug overdose at age 18 changed everything. It took the couple from being symbols of excess to being the most visible faces of the fight against the opioid epidemic.
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They founded the Victoria’s Voice Foundation, and unlike some celebrity charities that are just tax shelters, this one actually does the work. They have been instrumental in pushing for "Victoria’s Law," which focuses on drug awareness and making Naloxone (Narcan) more accessible.
In 2026, the foundation is still going strong, partnering with groups like Fentanyl Fathers to reach students across the country. Jackie has used her "Queen" platform to hammer home a message: if it can happen in a 90,000-square-foot mansion, it can happen anywhere.
The Siegel Legacy in 2026
Where does that leave the family now?
Jackie is navigating life as a widow, a philanthropist, and a reality star. She’s still the "Queen," but the crown looks different these days. She’s focused on finishing the house—partly because David wanted to see it done, and partly because at this point, giving up isn't in her DNA.
The Westgate empire is now under the leadership of Jim Gissy, but the Siegel name is still the face of the brand. They remain a fascination for the public because they are a walking contradiction. They are the 1% of the 1%, yet they’ve faced the kind of grief that levels everyone, regardless of their bank account.
Actionable Insights: What to Watch Next
If you want to keep up with the actual progress of the Siegels—and not just the tabloid version—here is what you should look for:
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- Victoria’s Voice Resources: If you are a parent, look into the "VITAL SIGNS" program offered by their foundation. It’s a free resource designed to help parents spot the early signs of drug use.
- The Documentary vs. Reality: Go back and watch the 2012 documentary The Queen of Versailles and then watch the more recent The Queen of Versailles Reigns Again. The shift in their personalities and priorities is a masterclass in how tragedy reshapes a person.
- The Real Estate Record: Keep an eye on Orange County, Florida, property records. The "completion" of the mansion will likely be the biggest real estate news of the decade, even if only for the sheer scale of the final appraisal.
The Siegels' story isn't just about a big house. It's about a 20-year struggle to finish something that probably should have never been started, and the strange, painful, and very public way a family grows up when the world is watching their every move.