Andy Griffith Widow To Tear Down His Old House – Friends Of The Late Actor Upset

Andy Griffith's widow has obtained a permit to tear down the legendary actor's old home.

The widow of Andy Griffith has plans to have the house he lived in for many years on the North Carolina coast demolished. The news has upset many of Griffith's life-long friends who say they would have preferred to see the old house turned into a museum in honor of the actor.

Cindi Griffith, Andy's widow, received the demolition permit on Monday in Dare County, according to county records. The permit allows for the destruction of a small house that Andy Griffith bought along the Roanoke Sound in the 1950s.

A family friend, Tony-Award-winning costume designer William Ivey Long, said that he and Andy discussed plans for the property back in 2007. According to him Griffith had mentioned wanted to preserve the house as a museum. Long also stated that the idea was to include memorabilia and items from Griffith's TV shows and music career.

Another family friend, Della Basnight, says legally Cindi Griffith can do what she wants, but doubts that the demolition is what Andy would have liked to see happen to his old house.

"When he gave her the power to do anything, I don't think he thought she would want to do that," said Basnight about the demolition.

She also commented that the property was one of the first things Griffith bought when he first got some money. He raised his children in that home.

"I had really sort of always thought it would be secured," she said. "I always thought it would remain."

Many other friends of Andy Griffith have spoken out against the imminent destruction of the house, most are disappointed it will not remain as a memory of the late actor.

Both Andy Griffith's widow and her lawyer have declined comment and it is still unclear whether or not preparations have begun to begin the demolition process this week.