Guide Note

Doris Duke was the heiress to the famous Duke family fortune. She is known for her vivacious and eccentric personality, her philanthropy, and her horticulture and art collecting skills. She started the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation as well as the Newport Restoration Foundation, which preserved many historic buildings in New England. Although Duke was one of the wealthiest women in the country, she did not enjoy fame, and often hid from the public eye.¹

Fast Facts

1. Born: November 22, 1912
2. Birthplace: New York City, New York
3. Died: October 28, 1993
4. Place of death: Beverly Hills, California
5. Father: James Duke
6. Mother: Nanaline Duke
7. Grandfather: Washington Duke
8. An only child
9. Ex-husbands: James H.R. Cromwell, Porfirio Rubirosa
10. Adopted daughter: Chandi Heffner (later estranged)
11. Bernard Lafferty was her butler
12. Left control of her estate to Lafferty²
13. Amount of estate: $1.2 billion²
14. Cremated after she died²
15. Ashes scattered in Pacific Ocean²