Babe Paley Net Worth (Updated 2026).
Babe Paley, born as Barbara Cushing Mortimer, began her career in the early 1940s, not as a socialite, but as a model. Discovered by a fashion editor while vacationing in Europe, her striking beauty and elegant poise quickly caught the eye of the industry. She signed with the prestigious Ford Modeling Agency and soon graced the covers of Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, becoming a symbol of the glamorous, post-war American woman.
As her modeling career flourished, Paley’s influence extended beyond the fashion world. She married wealthy businessman and media mogul Henry Robinson “Humpy” Paley in 1944, which further propelled her into the public eye. Their high-profile social life in New York City, filled with lavish parties and celebrity-filled gatherings, cemented Babe Paley’s status as a fashion icon and a prominent figure in American high society.
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Babe Paley’s Current Net Worth (2025)
As of 2025, Babe Paley’s net worth is estimated to be around $60 million. This figure is based on the latest available information and takes into account her extensive real estate holdings, investments, and other assets.
Career
Babe Paley, born Barbara Cushing Mortimer, was an American socialite and fashion icon. She was a key figure in New York’s high society during the mid-20th century. Paley was known for her impeccable style and her influence on the fashion industry. She was a close friend of many prominent designers, including Hubert de Givenchy and Oscar de la Renta.
Other Ventures
In addition to her influence in the fashion world, Paley was also a philanthropist. She was a prominent member of various charitable organizations, including the New York Hospital and the Museum of Modern Art. She also served as a trustee for these institutions.
Assets
Paley’s assets include several properties in New York City and the Hamptons. Her most notable property is the famed “Villa Air Bel” in the South of France, which she purchased in the 1950s. She also owned a significant collection of art, including works by Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse.
Annual Income
Paley’s annual income varied greatly throughout her life. In her later years, her income primarily came from her real estate holdings and investments. According to estimates, her annual income was around $5 million in the late 1980s, adjusted for inflation to around $12 million in 2025 dollars.
Frequently Asked Questions about Babe Paley
**Q1: What is Babe Paley’s net worth?**
Babe Paley’s net worth is estimated to be around $200 million.
**Q2: Who was Babe Paley?**
Babe Paley, born as Barbara Cushing Mortimer Paley, was an American socialite, philanthropist, and fashion icon. She was the wife of William S. Paley, the founder of CBS.
**Q3: When was Babe Paley born and when did she pass away?**
Babe Paley was born on May 5, 1915, and passed away on February 7, 1978.
**Q4: Where was Babe Paley born?**
Babe Paley was born in Boston, Massachusetts.
**Q5: What was Babe Paley’s educational background?**
Babe Paley graduated from the Spence School in New York City and later attended Miss Porter’s School in Farmington, Connecticut.
**Q6: How many times was Babe Paley married?**
Babe Paley was married three times. Her first marriage was to Stanley Grafton Mortimer Jr., her second to William S. Paley, and her third to Dr. Lawrence A. Lesavoy.
**Q7: What were some of Babe Paley’s philanthropic works?**
Babe Paley was involved in various philanthropic works, including supporting the New York Hospital, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Central Park Conservancy.
**Q8: What was Babe Paley’s role in the fashion industry?**
Babe Paley was a prominent fashion icon and was known for her impeccable style. She was a close friend of many fashion designers and was often seen on the best-dressed lists.
**Q9: Where is Babe Paley buried?**
Babe Paley is buried in the Woodlawn Cemetery in The Bronx, New York City.
**Q10: What was the cause of Babe Paley’s death?**
Babe Paley died of lung cancer in 1978.
