Alice Walton, the only daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton, has become the world’s wealthiest woman with an estimated fortune of $89.1 billion, overtaking L’Oreal heiress Francoise Bettencourt Meyers. This achievement comes as Walmart stock reaches an all-time high and Walton’s net worth surpasses that of her brother Rob Walton, who is ranked just above her on the list of the world’s richest individuals.
Despite selling billions of dollars worth of Walmart stock and giving away billions more, the Walton family continues to own nearly half of the retail giant thanks to stock buybacks that have preserved their stake. The family’s wealth is split between Alice Walton and her siblings Jim and Rob Walton, with Rob recently retiring from Walmart’s board after over four decades of service. Jim Walton, on the other hand, has handed over his responsibilities to his son, Steuart Walton, and now focuses on chairing the family’s Arvest Bank.
Alice Walton, known for her work in curating art, founded the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas, with help from trusts set up in the names of her family members. She has also been actively involved in philanthropy, pouring billions into family charitable foundations that support various causes, including the arts and health and well-being. Her Art Bridges Foundation has acquired and loaned out works of American art to museums across the country since its inception in 2016, and her newest endeavor, the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine, is set to welcome its first class in 2025.
In a statement announcing her retirement as chair of Crystal Bridges in 2021, Walton expressed her desire to focus more on her roles in her philanthropic organizations. Her passion for the arts and commitment to improving health and well-being through her work highlight her dedication to making a positive impact in the world. With her wealth and influence, she has the resources to continue supporting causes that are important to her and making a difference in the lives of others.
