Date of Birth: November 22, 1912
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
Date of Death: October 28, 1993
Biography
Doris Duke was an American tobacco heiress, philanthropist, art collector, and socialite. Born into immense wealth as the only child of James Buchanan Duke, the founder of the American Tobacco Company and Duke Energy Company, Doris Duke experienced a life of privilege and influence. After her father’s death in 1925, she inherited a substantial portion of his estate, making her one of the wealthiest women in the world at the time. Doris Duke was known for her extensive philanthropic work, particularly in the areas of medical research, child welfare, and historic preservation. She established the Duke Endowment in honor of her father, which continues to support various charitable causes to this day. Additionally, she was a passionate art collector and amassed an impressive collection of Islamic and Southeast Asian art, much of which is displayed at her former residence, Shangri La, in Honolulu, Hawaii. Duke’s life was often a subject of public fascination due to her wealth, her multiple marriages, and her eclectic interests. She was married twice, first to James H. R. Cromwell and later to Porfirio Rubirosa. Despite her marriages, she had no children and lived much of her later life in relative seclusion.
5 Interesting Facts about Doris Duke
1. Doris Duke was often referred to as “the richest girl in the world” after inheriting her father’s fortune.
2. She was an accomplished horticulturist and established the Duke Gardens in New Jersey, which are open to the public.
3. Duke funded the restoration of numerous historic buildings in Newport, Rhode Island, through her Newport Restoration Foundation.
4. She was a talented jazz pianist and even took lessons from the legendary Duke Ellington.
5. Doris Duke was an avid traveler and lived in various exotic locales, including Hawaii and Beverly Hills.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Doris Duke
1. “The only real wealth is health.”
2. “I want to be remembered as someone who made a difference in the lives of others.”
3. “Art is the only way to run away without leaving home.”
4. “Money doesn’t buy happiness, but it does buy a yacht big enough to sail right up to it.”
5. “Philanthropy is not about money; it’s about feeling the pain of others and caring enough about their needs to help.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of her wealth, Doris Duke’s net worth was estimated to be around $1.3 billion (adjusted for inflation).
Children
Doris Duke did not have any children.
Relevant Links
1. [Doris Duke Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doris_Duke
2. [Duke Endowment](https://dukeendowment.org/
3. [Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design](https://www.shangrilahawaii.org/
4. [Doris Duke Charitable Foundation](https://www.ddcf.org/
5. [Newport Restoration Foundation](http://www.newportrestoration.org/
