Duke, Doris, 1912-1993

Born on November 22, 1912, Doris Duke was the only child of James Buchanan (J.B.) Duke, a founder of the American Tobacco Company and Duke Energy Company and a benefactor of Duke University, and Nanaline Holt Duke. Inheriting a bulk of her father's estate in 1925, which included Duke Farms in New Jersey, Rough Point in Newport, R.I., and a mansion in New York City, Doris was soon dubbed by the press as "the richest girl in the world." Although Doris did her best to live a private life, she carried on the Duke family's pattern of philanthropy by contributing to a number of public causes such as the arts, historic preservation, and the environment. When she was 21 she established Independent Aid, a foundation which would later became the Doris Duke Foundation. Adventurous, intelligent and independent, Doris Duke was determined not to be defined by social expectations or her vast wealth. She traveled widely and pursued her many interests including music, dance, writing, and art. Doris Duke was married twice, first to James H.R. Cromwell and then to Porfirio Rubirosa. Both marriages ended in divorce. Doris Duke died in October 1993 at the age of 80. In her will she left the majority of her estate to the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.

From the guide to the Doris Duke Papers, 1798-2003 and undated (bulk 1930-1999), (David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University)

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