Elaine Wynn, the influential businesswoman and philanthropist who co-founded Wynn Resorts alongside her ex-husband Steve Wynn, has passed away at the age of 82. The news of her death was confirmed by the Elaine P. Wynn & Family Foundation, which announced that she passed peacefully after a brief illness, surrounded by her family at her Los Angeles home. Her death marks the end of a remarkable career that saw her leave an indelible mark on both the Las Vegas casino industry and numerous charitable causes.

A transformative figure in Las Vegas:

Wynn’s legacy as a key figure in the development of some of Las Vegas’ most iconic resorts is well-documented. Alongside her former husband, she helped to shape the skyline of the Strip, with the opening of Wynn Las Vegas in 2005, which was at the time the most expensive resort ever built. Her work played a crucial role in establishing the luxury resort brand that is now synonymous with the city’s high-end gaming and entertainment scene. Wynn Resorts issued a statement, mourning her loss and praising her for being a driving force in the company’s success.

“We are all deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Elaine Wynn and send our condolences to her daughters, grandchildren, and her many close friends. As co-founder and one of the largest shareholders of Wynn Resorts, she 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,” the company said in a statement, as reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Elaine Wynn’s influence in Las Vegas went far beyond the casinos. As a philanthropist, she worked tirelessly to improve the city’s cultural and educational landscape. Known for her advocacy for children’s education and the arts, Wynn’s charitable efforts were deeply rooted in her belief that Las Vegas could be more than just a gambling mecca. She was instrumental in supporting various educational initiatives, most notably her work with Communities in Schools, an organization dedicated to preventing high school dropouts. Additionally, her support for the arts included major contributions to institutions such as the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the development of the Elaine Wynn Studio for Arts Education at The Smith Center in Las Vegas.

Her philanthropic endeavors were not limited to the arts and education. Wynn was a tireless advocate for the community, serving on numerous boards and dedicating her time and resources to causes she believed in. Her work with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), where she chaired the university’s foundation, helped shift the focus from athletics to academics, an effort that raised millions for research and educational programs.

A powerful legacy and personal life:

Elaine Wynn’s personal story is one of resilience and strength. Born Elaine Pascal on April 28, 1942, in New York City, she grew up in Miami Beach before meeting Steve Wynn on a blind date in 1961. The couple married in 1963, just after Elaine completed her studies in political science at George Washington University. Their partnership was both personal and professional, as they together built a casino empire that would revolutionize Las Vegas. Though they divorced in 1986, they remarried in 1991, only to split once more in 2010 in what was one of the most expensive divorces in American history.

In the years that followed, Elaine Wynn continued to lead the charge at Wynn Resorts after her ex-husband stepped down amid sexual misconduct allegations in 2018. She became a key figure in the company’s reform efforts, including her role in lobbying for the company’s license in Massachusetts. Despite her separation from Steve Wynn, she was deeply committed to the success of Wynn Resorts, proving to be an astute and influential businesswoman in her own right.

In the final years of her life, Wynn focused on her philanthropic endeavors. In 2020, she told Nevada gaming regulators that she would not seek to return to the Wynn board and expressed a desire to devote more time to her charitable work. Her death leaves behind a legacy not only in the casino industry but also in the cultural and educational sectors of Las Vegas and beyond. As of her passing, Forbes estimated her net worth at $1.9 billion.

Elaine Wynn is survived by her two daughters, Kevyn and Gillian, and seven grandchildren, all of whom are also involved in philanthropic work. Her family, along with the many people whose lives she touched, will undoubtedly continue to carry forward her legacy of service and generosity.