Doris Duke Net Worth (Updated 2026).

Doris Duke, born in 1912, was an American heiress and philanthropist who rose to prominence in the mid-20th century. Her career began in the 1930s, when, at the age of 18, she inherited a substantial fortune from her tobacco magnate father, James Buchanan Duke. This inheritance included a vast estate in Newport, Rhode Island, and a significant portion of the Duke family’s wealth, making Doris one of the wealthiest women in the United States at the time.

Doris Duke’s fame began to grow in the 1940s and 1950s as she became known for her lavish lifestyle and philanthropic endeavors. She was a prominent figure in high society, frequently featured in gossip columns and society pages for her extravagant parties and her collection of exotic pets, including a cheetah named “Koko.” However, it was her generous donations to various causes, particularly those related to the arts and medical research, that truly solidified her reputation. She founded the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation in 1996, which continues to support a wide range of charitable causes today.

Doris Duke’s Current Net Worth (2025)

As of 2025, Doris Duke’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 billion. This figure takes into account her diverse investments and philanthropic endeavors.

Career

Doris Duke, born into wealth, became a prominent philanthropist. She founded the Duke Endowment in 1924, focusing on education, health, and children’s welfare in North Carolina. She also established the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation in 1996, which continues her legacy of supporting the arts, medical research, and child well-being.

Other Ventures

Duke was a passionate art collector, amassing an impressive collection of Islamic art. She also had a keen interest in environmental conservation, supporting various initiatives to protect natural habitats. Additionally, she was a significant donor to medical research, particularly in the fields of cancer and children’s health.

Assets

Duke’s assets included her historic estate, Duke Farms, in Hillsborough, New Jersey, which is now a public garden. She also owned properties in Hawaii and New York City. Her art collection is housed in the Museum of Islamic Art in Honolulu, which she founded. Other assets include her substantial investments in real estate, stocks, and bonds.

Annual Income

Due to the diverse nature of her investments and the philanthropic nature of many of her ventures, it’s challenging to pinpoint an annual income figure for Doris Duke. However, it’s safe to say that her income was substantial, given her net worth and the scale of her philanthropic giving.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Doris Duke

Frequently Asked Questions: Doris Duke Net Worth

1. What was Doris Duke’s net worth?

Doris Duke’s net worth was estimated to be around $1.5 billion at the time of her death.

2. How did Doris Duke make her fortune?

Doris Duke inherited her wealth from her father, James Buchanan Duke, who was a tobacco and electric power mogul. She received her inheritance when she was just 12 years old.

3. What was Doris Duke’s primary source of income?

Doris Duke’s primary source of income was her inheritance from her father’s estate, which included stocks, real estate, and other assets.

4. Did Doris Duke have any businesses or investments of her own?

Yes, Doris Duke was involved in various philanthropic endeavors and investments throughout her life. She was a major donor to the arts, medical research, and environmental causes. She also had interests in real estate and other investments.

5. How much did Doris Duke donate to charity?

Doris Duke donated hundreds of millions of dollars to charity throughout her life. At the time of her death, she left the majority of her estate to the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, which she established in 1996.

6. What was Doris Duke’s most expensive purchase?

Doris Duke was known for her lavish lifestyle and expensive tastes. One of her most expensive purchases was the 47-room mansion, “Sugar Hill,” in New York City, which she bought in 1947 for $3.5 million.

7. Did Doris Duke have any children?

No, Doris Duke did not have any children. She was married and divorced twice but did not have any children from either marriage.

8. What was Doris Duke’s cause of death?

Doris Duke died of heart failure at the age of 80 on October 28, 1993.

9. Where is Doris Duke buried?

Doris Duke is buried at the Duke family mausoleum in the Duke Memorial Chapel at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina.

10. What was Doris Duke’s legacy?

Doris Duke’s legacy is primarily as a philanthropist. She was known for her generous donations to various causes, including the arts, medical research, and environmental conservation. She also left a significant impact on the cultural landscape of the United States through her support of the arts and her own collections of art and artifacts.