Doris duke net worth
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Born on Nov. 22, 1912 in New York City, Doris Duke was the only child of James Buchanan (J.B.) Duke, a founder of the American Tobacco Company and Duke Power, and his second wife, Nanaline Holt Inman Duke. When J.B. Duke died in 1925, he divided his fortune between Doris and the Duke Endowment—a foundation that he established to serve the people of the Carolinas and continues to operate as an independent foundation, headquartered in Charlotte. Because Doris Duke was only 12 years old when her father passed, she inherited her share of his estate over a series of years, beginning with her 21st birthday.
Upon receiving the first installment in 1934, Doris Duke established Independent Aid, Inc., her first charitable foundation. Over the course of her life, Duke gave away the equivalent of more than $400 million in today’s dollars—often anonymously. Her philanthropic interests were wide ranging and included supporting the welfare of women and children, mental health, social work, Native communities, early family pl
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Doris Duke
(1912-1993)
Who Was Doris Duke?
The only child of American tobacco baron James Duke, when Doris Duke was born the press called her "the richest little girl in the world," but Duke grew to be the most reluctant of celebrities. For over 50 years, she avoided publicity. When she died in 1993, her billion-dollar legacy was left in the sole control of her butler.
Early Life
Born November 22, 1912, in New York City, Doris Duke was the only child of American tobacco baron James Duke and his wife Nanaline. When she was born, the newspapers christened her "the richest little girl in the world." However, Duke was the most reluctant of celebrities. For over 50 years, she sought to avoid the glare of publicity, hiding from cameras and refusing interviews. When she died at her Beverly Hills mansion, without family or friends, Duke’s billion-dollar legacy was left in the sole control of her butler, the semiliterate alcoholic Bernard Lafferty. In death, the reclusive Duke again became the focus of the world’s attention.
Young Heiress of a Tobacco Fortune
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Doris Duke
American billionaire (1912–1993)
For the singer, see Doris Duke (soul singer).
Doris Duke | |
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Duke in 1951 | |
| Born | (1912-11-22)November 22, 1912 New York City, U.S. |
| Died | October 28, 1993(1993-10-28) (aged 80) Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
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| Spouses | |
| Children | 1 |
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Residences
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Doris Duke (November 22, 1912 – October 28, 1993) was an American billionaire tobacco heiress, philanthropist, and socialite. She was often called "the richest girl in the world".[1] Her great wealth, luxurious lifestyle, and love life attracted significant press coverage, both during her life and after her death.[2]
Duke's passions varied wildly. Briefly a news correspondent in the 1940s, she also played jazz piano and learned to surf competitively. At her father's estate in Hills
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