Elaine Wynn, the influential co-founder of Wynn Resorts and a prominent figure in Las Vegas’ evolution into a global entertainment hub, has passed away at the age of 82. She died at her Los Angeles residence on April 14, 2025, due to heart failure.
In 1976, Wynn and her then-husband, Steve Wynn, co-founded Mirage Resorts, marking the beginning of their transformative impact on the Las Vegas Strip. Their vision culminated in the establishment of Wynn Resorts in 2000, where Elaine Wynn played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s direction. She remained its largest individual shareholder, holding nearly 9% of the company’s stock at the time of her death.
Elaine Wynn: The Woman Behind the Wynn Legacy
Beyond her business acumen, Wynn was a dedicated philanthropist and advocate. She served as chair of the UNLV Foundation and supported various educational and cultural initiatives, including a partnership with the Los Angeles County Museum of Art to establish the Las Vegas Museum of Art. Her commitment to women’s health was evident in her substantial donations to organizations like Planned Parenthood.
Wynn’s legacy extends beyond her business ventures; she was a passionate art collector, with notable acquisitions such as Francis Bacon’s Three Studies of Lucian Freud, purchased for $142.4 million in 2013. Her contributions to both the arts and the community have left an indelible mark on Las Vegas and beyond.
Elaine Wynn is survived by her two daughters, Kevyn and Gillian. Her passing marks the end of an era in the Las Vegas hospitality industry, reflecting a life dedicated to innovation, philanthropy, and cultural enrichment.
