Think of the Las Vegas Strip’s fabulous Mirage and its erupting volcano, the Bellagio and its spectacular fountains, marvel at the Wynn’s curved, gravity-defying design, and remember gaming legend Elaine Wynn, billionaire Co-Founder of Wynn Resorts, with her husband Steve Wynn, whose death at the age of 82-years-old was reported yesterday.
Elaine and Steve first married in 1963 and moved to Las Vegas in 1967, where they bought a small stake in a now-closed hotel and casino.
The power couple divorced in 1986 and then re-married in 1991, she remained the largest single shareholder in the company that is now helmed by CEO Craig Billings.
Elaine Wynn, née Elaine Pascal, was born and raised in New York City and was educated at George Washington University, graduating in 1964 with a degree in political science.
Throughout her life, noted her foundation, who announced her death, she was “a tireless advocate for the arts and education”.
She was a lover of high fashion and mentor to storied designers Oscar de la Renta and Manolo Blahnik.
In a statement, Wynn Resorts, headquartered in aptly-named Paradise, Nevada, said: “[Elaine Wynn] helped to create and grow the company to become the most esteemed luxury resort brand in the world.
“Her many talents and special touches are indelibly imprinted on the company and still evident throughout our resorts.”
She is survived by her two children, Kevyn and Gillian, and her seven grandchildren.
