Elaine Wynn, Pioneer of Las Vegas Hospitality, Passes Away

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The Las Vegas Strip at sunset, a landmark of hospitality and entertainment.

News Summary

Elaine Wynn, co-founder of Mirage Resorts and Wynn Resorts, has passed away at 82 after a brief illness. Her contributions to Las Vegas transformed the Strip into a luxury destination with iconic resorts, and she was also a notable philanthropist and advocate for education and the arts.

Las Vegas — Elaine Wynn, the co-founder of Mirage Resorts and Wynn Resorts, passed away on April 14 at the age of 82. She died peacefully after a short illness at her home in Los Angeles, surrounded by her loved ones.

Wynn was a pivotal figure in the development of the modern Las Vegas Strip, collaborating closely with her ex-husband, Steve Wynn. Their partnership began in the 1970s, when they transformed the Golden Nugget into a more luxurious venue, marking the beginning of their significant influence on the city’s gaming and hospitality landscape.

The Wynns are credited with creating a new standard for resorts with iconic developments. The opening of the Mirage in 1989 was particularly noteworthy, as it featured groundbreaking attractions such as a man-made volcano, an impressive 80-foot-tall atrium, and Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat. Building on that success, they launched Treasure Island in 1993 and the Bellagio in 1998, further defining the megaresort concept that Las Vegas is known for today.

Outside her business ventures, Wynn was deeply committed to philanthropy through the Elaine P. Wynn and Family Foundation. This organization focuses on education, community development, and the arts, highlighting a people-first culture that Wynn championed throughout her life. She advocated for increased female representation in boardrooms across the gaming industry and promoted diverse cultural perspectives in the hospitality sector.

Wynn played a significant role in education reform in Nevada, serving as the founding chair of Communities in Schools of Nevada and raising millions to support the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). She was also instrumental in enhancing the educational programs at the Smith Center for the Performing Arts, contributing to the establishment of the Elaine Wynn Studio for Arts Education there.

One of her notable projects, the Las Vegas Museum of Art, is planned to break ground in 2027, continuing her legacy of fostering arts and culture in the region. Wynn leaves behind two daughters, Kevyn and Gillian, and seven grandchildren.

Borna on April 28, 1942, in New York City, Wynn graduated from George Washington University in 1964. She married Steve Wynn in 1963, and they underwent several changes in their marital status, divorcing in 1986, remarrying in 1991, and ultimately divorcing again in 2010. After Steve Wynn left Wynn Resorts in the wake of sexual misconduct allegations, Elaine played a crucial role in maintaining the company’s legacy amidst challenges.

At the time of her death, Wynn’s net worth was estimated at $1.9 billion. Her influence in the arts, education, and community welfare highlighted her as a significant philanthropist. During the pandemic, she supported initiatives like Connecting Kids, which aimed to ensure that students could access technology for their education.

In addition to her philanthropic efforts, Wynn was an active political donor who aligned herself with Democratic campaigns, including supporting President Biden’s campaign in 2020. Her impact on Las Vegas and commitment to charitable work have drawn accolades from numerous political leaders as they recognize her contributions to the city and its future.