{"id":25086,"date":"2025-04-02T19:29:38","date_gmt":"2025-04-02T19:29:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/?p=25086"},"modified":"2025-04-02T19:29:38","modified_gmt":"2025-04-02T19:29:38","slug":"val-kilmer-sold-his-ranch-once-lived-in-a-guest-house-photos-of-his-home-life-before-death-at-65","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/?p=25086","title":{"rendered":"Val Kilmer Sold His Ranch & Once Lived in a Guest House \u2013 Photos of His Home Life Before Death at 65"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Before his passing at the age of 65, the movie star’s life was as complex and multifaceted as his storied career. His personal space was a sanctuary for the actor who was both a leading man and a reclusive figure.<\/p>\n

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Val Kilmer, known for his iconic role as Batman, found solace in the quiet comfort of his ranch life, which contrasted with the intense spotlight of his Hollywood fame. The actor, who once lived in a guest house, sold his ranch that reflected his more private and introspective side.<\/p>\n

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\"Val<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Val Kilmer visits the United Nations headquarters in New York City to promote the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) initiative, on July 20, 2019 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Kilmer’s home, Pecos River Ranch in Santa Fe, New Mexico, was a carefully crafted retreat that reflected his deep appreciation for art, culture, and history.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Inside Val Kilmer’s home in Pecos River Ranch, from a post dated August 3, 2021 | Source: Youtube\/@IGNMovieTrailers<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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He purchased the property\u00a0in 1991<\/a>, drawn to its breathtaking views of the Sangre de Cristo and Jemez mountains. It was located southeast of Santa Fe and was\u00a0a sprawling retreat<\/a>\u00a0that embraced the rugged beauty of the region.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The outdoor views of Val Kilmer’s Pecos River Ranch, from a post dated June 9, 2022 | Source: Youtube\/@Famous_Entertainment<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Covering nearly 6,000 acres, the property was a haven of canyons, pine forests, and winding waterways. The highlight was the Pecos River, which ran for nearly six miles through the estate, offering prime trout fishing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The outdoor views of Val Kilmer’s Pecos River Ranch, from a post dated June 9, 2022 | Source: Youtube\/@Famous_Entertainment<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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The ranch’s centerpiece was a 5,591-square-foot adobe-style main house,\u00a0built in 1978<\/a>\u00a0and designed in the\u00a0classic Southwestern tradition<\/a>. It featured four bedrooms and embodied a rustic elegance that blended seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The outdoor views of Val Kilmer’s Pecos River Ranch, from a post dated June 9, 2022 | Source: Youtube\/@Famous_Entertainment<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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In addition to the main residence, the property included multiple guest houses, barns, garages, and outbuildings, providing ample space for visitors and staff. A separate 1,464-square-foot caretaker’s home, also designed in the Southwestern style, ensured the estate was maintained.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The area where Val Kilmer’s Pecos River Ranch is located, from a post dated June 9, 2022 | Source: Youtube\/@Famous_Entertainment<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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A true equestrian’s dream, the ranch housed 22 horses, with dedicated stalls for up to ten and extensive fenced pastures for grazing. The land’s vastness and natural beauty made it an ideal location\u00a0for horseback riding<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The outdoor views of Val Kilmer’s Pecos River Ranch, from a post dated June 9, 2022 | Source: Youtube\/@Famous_Entertainment<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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The property was conveniently located, just eight miles from Pecos, 22 miles from Santa Fe, and about 90 miles from Albuquerque. It was accessible via the Santa Fe County Airport and the Albuquerque International Airport, making it both a secluded escape and an easily reachable destination.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Inside<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Inside Val Kilmer’s home in Pecos River Ranch, from a post dated August 3, 2021 | Source: Youtube\/@IGNMovieTrailers<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Kilmer’s ranch was more than just a home as he\u00a0divulged<\/a>, “For over a decade, I searched for a property that embodies the alluring natural majesty and splendor of the Southwest. My search finally ended here, at the Pecos River Ranch. It\u2019s impossible to put into words the beauty and power of this land.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Inside<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Inside Val Kilmer’s home in Pecos River Ranch, from a post dated August 3, 2021 | Source: Youtube\/@IGNMovieTrailers<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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The “Tombstone” star undertook a\u00a0“Pueblo-style”<\/a>\u00a0renovation of a 1970s house, transforming the house in the ranch into a space that blended traditional Southwestern elements with personal touches.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Inside<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Inside Val Kilmer’s home in Pecos River Ranch, from a post dated June 9, 2022 | Source: Youtube\/@Famous_Entertainment<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Alongside his then-wife, British actress\u00a0Joanne Whalley<\/a>, he\u00a0expanded the home<\/a>\u00a0to over 4,200 square feet. The result was a home that felt both rustic and soulful.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Inside<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Inside Val Kilmer’s home in Pecos River Ranch, from a post dated August 3, 2021 | Source: Youtube\/@IGNMovieTrailers<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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The living room featured a mix of global and indigenous influences, with a carved totem from New Guinea standing beside a classic kiva-style fireplace.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Inside<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Inside Val Kilmer’s home in Pecos River Ranch, from a post dated June 9, 2022 | Source: Youtube\/@Famous_Entertainment<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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A Papago cradle basket rested atop an armoire, while handcrafted Mexican church candles added warmth and character. Kilmer sought the expertise of Nathalie Kent to help curate the interiors,\u00a0admiring<\/a>\u00a0her ability to balance “fun and soul” in her designs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Inside<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Inside Val Kilmer’s home in Pecos River Ranch, from a post dated August 3, 2021 | Source: Youtube\/@IGNMovieTrailers<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Throughout the house, Navajo rugs and Pueblo hand drums brought a sense of regional authenticity, while Cheyenne and Sioux knife cases from the 1880s highlighted the entrance hall.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The dining room showcased handcrafted furniture by Limbert, with a table set with Navajo sterling silver flatware and silver candlesticks by Jennifer Graham. An antique antler chandelier cast a soft, atmospheric glow, adding what Kilmer\u00a0described<\/a>\u00a0as a “real feeling of mystery.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Inside Val Kilmer’s home in Pecos River Ranch, from a post dated June 9, 2022 | Source: Youtube\/@Famous_Entertainment<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Inside<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Inside Val Kilmer’s home in Pecos River Ranch, from a post dated August 3, 2021 | Source: Youtube\/@IGNMovieTrailers<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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The library, another standout feature of the home, was expanded by extending the fireplace wall. Inside, an oil painting by Jozef Bakos hung prominently, and a Moroccan star-shaped table displayed a collection of African hand axes, hammers, and other tools.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Inside Val Kilmer’s home in Pecos River Ranch, from a post dated June 9, 2022 | Source: Youtube\/@Famous_Entertainment<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Inside Val Kilmer’s home in Pecos River Ranch, from a post dated June 9, 2022 | Source: Youtube\/@Famous_Entertainment<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Kilmer’s master bedroom continued the home’s Southwestern aesthetic, featuring a traditional coved ceiling with exposed vigas. The bed was draped in antique lace, complemented by Navajo rugs. Kilmer\u00a0noted<\/a>, “Santa Fe has always been a cultural center.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Inside Val Kilmer’s home in Pecos River Ranch, from a post dated June 9, 2022 | Source: Youtube\/@Famous_Entertainment<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Inside<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Inside Val Kilmer’s home in Pecos River Ranch, from a post dated August 3, 2021 | Source: Youtube\/@IGNMovieTrailers<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Outside, the garden, designed by Ben Haggard, was landscaped with native plants, embracing Santa Fe’s natural beauty. Kilmer often\u00a0spoke<\/a>\u00a0about how Santa Fe’s environment felt “exposing” in a positive way, allowing him to connect deeply with his surroundings.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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When not filming, most of his time was spent in this home, which served as a sanctuary. Additionally, during his time at the ranch, “The Doors” actor had a variety\u00a0of outdoor activities<\/a> to enjoy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Fishing was one of the most prized experiences on the ranch, with Pecos River offering an excellent habitat for the rare native Pecos River strain of the Rio Grande cutthroat.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The outdoor views of Val Kilmer’s Pecos River Ranch, from a post dated January 20, 2022 | Source: Youtube\/@Oscars<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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The ranch was also a prime location for hunting, with opportunities to track elk and deer in the sprawling pine forests and canyons.\u00a0Game bird hunting<\/a>\u00a0was another option, with species like Merriam’s turkey, mallards, Canada geese, pintail ducks, and teal calling the property home.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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If Kilmer preferred to observe rather than hunt, birdwatching on the ranch would have been just as rewarding, with a diverse array of raptors, songbirds, and other wildlife to admire.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The outdoor views of Val Kilmer’s Pecos River Ranch, from a post dated January 20, 2022 | Source: Youtube\/@Oscars<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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With its open pastures and rugged trails, Kilmer could have taken advantage of the terrain for mountain\u00a0biking and hiking<\/a>, immersing himself in the untamed beauty of the land.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The outdoor views of Val Kilmer’s Pecos River Ranch, from a post dated January 20, 2022 | Source: Youtube\/@Oscars<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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While the ranch provided adventure, Santa Fe was just a short drive away. Kilmer could have explored the city’s renowned art galleries, museums, and historic sites or enjoyed its diverse dining and shopping options.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The outdoor views of Val Kilmer’s Pecos River Ranch, from a post dated January 20, 2022 | Source: Youtube\/@Oscars<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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In 2011, the “Batman Forever” star\u00a0decided to downsize<\/a>, selling most of his expansive 5,328-acre Pecos River Ranch. The property was first listed\u00a0for $33 million<\/a> in 2009.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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His attorney, Ralph H. Scheuer, noted at the time that while the property was listed,\u00a0several contingencies<\/a>\u00a0had to be met before a sale could be finalized. Eventually, two years after its first listing, it sold for a reduced\u00a0price of $18.5 million<\/a>\u00a0to a Texas oil and gas executive and his wife.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Despite parting with the majority of the land, Kilmer retained 14 acres, though it was unclear at the time whether he planned to remain in the area. His ranch had previously drawn media attention when reports surfaced that he owed\u00a0nearly $500,000<\/a>\u00a0in back taxes to the IRS.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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A lien had been placed on several of his properties, including the Pecos River Ranch, adding financial strain to the actor’s situation. The sale of the land likely provided him with some financial relief while allowing him to hold onto a portion of the place he had called home.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Val Kilmer and his kids at his Pecos River Ranch, from a post dated December 22, 2017 | Source: Youtube\/@hollywoodreporter<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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In his 2021 memoir, “I’m Your Huckleberry,” Kilmer later revealed that the\u00a02008 financial crisis<\/a> had a significant impact on his finances, ultimately forcing him to sell his beloved ranch. After parting with the property, he relocated to the Malibu coast, where he rented a secluded cottage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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In the memoir, Kilmer, who was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2015, also shared about how he ended up staying\u00a0in a guest house<\/a>. As his health deteriorated, Kilmer found support from his longtime friend and former partner,\u00a0Cher<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Cher and Val Kilmer arrive at the 56th Academy Awards in Silkwood, on April 9, 1984 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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She welcomed him into her guest house, ensuring he had a comfortable place to recover. He later shared in his memoir, that one particularly frightening night at her home made him realize the seriousness of his illness.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Val Kilmer and Cher on January 9, 1984 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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He\u00a0penned<\/a>, “One night I suddenly awoke vomiting blood that covered the bed like a scene out of ‘The Godfather.’ I prayed immediately, then called 911. Then alerted my hostess. Cher stepped in and stepped up.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Val Kilmer and Cher at the Academy Awards in Los Angeles on April 11, 1983 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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While Kilmer eventually overcame the disease, the journey took a toll on his health and lifestyle. The\u00a0two-year battle<\/a> with throat cancer left him with a weakened voice and difficulty breathing after undergoing a tracheotomy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Despite his struggles, Kilmer credited his Christian Science faith with helping him endure the ordeal. Sadly, years later, on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, Kilmer passed away in Los Angeles.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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His daughter,\u00a0Mercedes Kilmer<\/a>, confirmed that the\u00a0cause was pneumonia<\/a>. While he had survived throat cancer, another illness led to his demise, marking the end of an extraordinary life shaped by talent, resilience, and an enduring passion for the arts.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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As much as he was no longer active in the Hollywood scene, Kilmer stayed connected to fans through social media. Following his final Instagram post, made just over one month before he died and simply\u00a0captioned<\/a> “u r enuff [sic],” fans flooded the comments section with messages of support, love, and admiration.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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“You are looking much better!”<\/i>\u00a0one comment\u00a0read<\/a>, while another\u00a0added<\/a>,\u00a0“Wow you look great!!!! Love this Batman \u2764\ufe0f”<\/i> The reactions were filled with warmth and admiration.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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“He speaks again! \ud83d\udc4f\ud83d\udc4f\ud83d\udc4f<\/i>”\u00a0wrote<\/a>\u00a0one person, while another\u00a0shared<\/a>,\u00a0“Val you looks good! The best!”\u00a0<\/i>Some were moved by simply seeing him again,\u00a0typing<\/a>,\u00a0“Is that really you? Val Kilmer? This uplifted my spirits!”<\/i>\u00a0Others kept it short but heartfelt,\u00a0adding<\/a>,\u00a0“The legend. \u2764\ufe0f\ud83e\udd87”<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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His last post now stands as a simple, powerful goodbye from a man who never stopped expressing himself. He will be remembered by his fans, friends, and family, whose life he positively impacted.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Val Kilmer<\/a>\u00a0is survived by Mercedes and his son\u00a0Jack Kilmer<\/a>. He shares his two children with his ex-wife, Whalley. The two got married in 1988 and divorced in 1996.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Before his passing at the age of 65, the movie star’s life was as complex and multifaceted as his storied career. His personal space was a sanctuary for … <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":25087,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-25086","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25086","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=25086"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25086\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":25088,"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25086\/revisions\/25088"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/25087"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=25086"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=25086"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=25086"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}