THE FIRST WIVES CLUB: The Influence and Legacy of Billionaire First Wives
I was at a party this weekend, having one of those classic women-centric conversations, when a handsome, well-dressed man asked if he could join us. I said, “Sure, if you’re up for listening to women talk about divorce (and dicks).” Our trio was two-thirds single and one-third married, and we were deep into discussing a high-profile celebrity divorce, red flags, and prenups. Prenups are always a hot topic that seems to rattle men, especially those who don’t have much money. As we talked, the conversation flowed from hypotheticals to the harsh realities of life. The polite, charming man who had joined us soon transformed into someone quoting hoteps, citing Instagram posts full of opinions, and throwing in random, out-of-context facts, like, “Most women become billionaires through divorce.”
At this point, I couldn’t help but make him face some hard truths. I pointed out the many institutional barriers, legislation and policies that have delayed women’s ability to advance both independently and financially. For example, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act passed just 50 years ago, ongoing workplace discrimination, and the fact that women receive less than 3% of venture capital to start their own businesses. These are just a few of the factors that have impeded women's financial proliferation. And let’s not forget the countless women who have been the foundation of their billionaire husbands' success. Women have quite literally, lay their bodies and brains on the line, are the emotional labor and support and foundation that is required to build billion-dollar companies. I would argue that there are few dumb billionaires (Donald Trump, (if he is a billionaire and Elon Musk excluded)) a man who is smart enough to make billions is also smart enough to marry an intelligent and capable partner to climb the mountain from millions to billions only to see their partners walk away from the marriage once they’ve reached the mountaintop. When that happens, the women who have been the backbone of these businesses and steady driving force are entitled to but in all fairness should benefit from the wealth built during their marriage.
Nine of the 10 richest women inherited their fortunes, either from fathers, husbands or in one case, mother.
Melinda French Gates, Sue Ann Arnall, Elaine Wynn, and MacKenzie Scott are more than just the ex-wives of some of America's most powerful men. They are formidable figures who played crucial roles in building the brands and fortunes of their former spouses, who include an oil tycoon, a gaming mogul, a tech entrepreneur, and an e-commerce and retail service giant. Their intelligence, dedication, and vision significantly contributed to the successes of these men. It is fair to say that without the brilliance and support of these women, the men they stood beside might not have reached the pinnacles they did.
These women exemplify the powerful roles that spouses can play in the success of their partners. They were not just behind the scenes but were active contributors to the businesses and legacies built during their marriages. Their stories underscore the importance of recognizing and valuing the intellectual and emotional labor that spouses often contribute to the success of high-powered individuals.
Today, as part of the 52% of single women in the United States, Melinda, Sue Ann, Elaine, and MacKenzie continue to shape their legacies independently. Their post-divorce lives reflect their ongoing commitment to making a difference in the world, whether through philanthropy, advocacy, or business. They inspire many with their resilience, vision, and dedication to causes larger than themselves.
Melinda French Gates
Melinda French Gates, the former wife of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, is a powerhouse in her own right. With a background in computer science and economics, she joined Microsoft in 1987, where she managed various projects. Her strategic mind and business acumen played a significant role in Microsoft's growth. Beyond her professional contributions, Melinda's partnership with Bill extended into philanthropy. Together, they founded the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in 2000, which has since become one of the world's largest private charitable organizations, focusing on global health, poverty alleviation, and education.
Post-divorce, Melinda has continued her philanthropic efforts through her organization, Pivotal Ventures, which she founded in 2015. Pivotal Ventures focuses on social progress in the United States, particularly on issues affecting women and families. Melinda's influence extends far beyond her association with Bill Gates; she is a prominent advocate for gender equality and has committed substantial resources to advancing women's rights and opportunities.
Sue Ann Arnall
Sue Ann Arnall's story is one of significant contribution and high-stakes divorce. As the ex-wife of Harold Hamm, the oil tycoon behind Continental Resources, Sue Ann played an integral role in the company's development. During their 26-year marriage, she worked as a lawyer and economist, directly contributing to the strategies that helped build the family fortune, estimated to be as high as $18 billion. Their divorce became one of the most expensive in U.S. history, with Sue Ann receiving a nearly $1 billion settlement. Despite this substantial sum, she maintained that her contributions to Continental Resources merited a larger share of the wealth. The high-profile nature of their divorce highlighted the often-overlooked contributions of spouses in building and sustaining business empires.
In 2021, Arnall donated a jaw-dropping US$85 million through her Arnall Family Foundation for child welfare and criminal justice reform, The Oklahoman reported. Oklahoma has the highest population of incarcerated people in the world.
“Money does not buy happiness, but it can buy freedom – freedom from worry about your, or your child’s, well-being or next meal; or freedom from worry about simply surviving another day. So, I take this privilege of wealth with a great deal of gratitude and humility, and will attempt to use it to buy freedom from those shackled by poverty, neglect or the cruel fate of circumstance,” she wrote in her Giving Pledge letter.
Elaine Wynn
Elaine Wynn, known as the "Queen of Las Vegas," was married to Steve Wynn, the co-founder of Mirage Resorts and Wynn Resorts. Elaine's influence in the gaming and hospitality industry is substantial. When the couple divorced – for the second time around – in 2010, she reportedly walked away with cash and company shares worth nearly US$1 billion. She played a pivotal role in the design and marketing of some of Las Vegas's most iconic resorts, including The Mirage, Treasure Island, and Bellagio. Her keen eye for detail and customer experience helped shape the luxury resort market.
This First wife hits close to home. I was hired as personal makeup artist to the former Mrs. Wynn (and her former husband’s) for the 2005 opening of the Wynn Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. The lead up, press and opening evening was glitzy, glamorous and a roller-coaster experience for me. I was at the center of it all with the queen of the the gaming industry and I experienced many things. Elaine was sharp, perceptive and generous. If I knew then what I know now, I would ask her, “how often her business acumen made it to the boardroom and if it arrived there before she did.”
Elaine's contributions were not limited to the business. She is a dedicated philanthropist, particularly in the areas of education and the arts. She has served on various boards, including the board of trustees for the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. or the last 20 years, this billionaire businesswoman has rallied for education and the arts. She pledged a US$50 million donation to create a new permanent collection space as co-chair of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and gave away US$25 million to build additional dance studios and classrooms in the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre in New York, Town & Country reported. Her commitment to education is evident through her involvement with the Communities In Schools national board, where she works to prevent dropout rates and support at-risk students.
MacKenzie Scott
MacKenzie Scott, formerly married to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, is a novelist and philanthropist whose impact has grown exponentially following her divorce. During her 25-year marriage to Bezos, MacKenzie was deeply involved in the early days of Amazon, working on the company's name, business plan, and operations from their garage startup phase. Her support and belief in Bezos's vision were crucial during Amazon's formative years.
Following their divorce, MacKenzie received a 4% stake in Amazon, making her one of the world's wealthiest women. She has since become one of the most significant philanthropists of our time. Through her giving pledge, she has donated billions to various causes, including racial equity, LGBTQ+ rights, public health, and climate change. MacKenzie's approach to philanthropy is notable for its speed and scale, often giving large, unrestricted grants to organizations to maximize their impact.
Obviously the title of this article was inspired by the 1996 film "The First Wives Club." I was 16 when this movie hit the screens and loved every second of it! It is a comedy that celebrates the humor and friendship of longtime friends who come together to support each other after a a friend’s untimely death turns their foursome into a trio. All four marriages coincidentally end in divorce and the drama ensues! Based on Olivia Goldsmith's 1992 novel of the same name, the film stars Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn, Diane Keaton, and Maggie Smith not to mention Elizabeth Berkley and a pre- Sex and the City Sarah Jessica Parker. It highlights the significant roles women play in each other's lives, particularly during times of personal crisis.
The film opens with the reunion of three college friends—Brenda (Midler), Elise (Hawn), and Annie (Keaton)—at the funeral of their fourth friend, Cynthia (Stockard Channing), who took her own life after being abandoned by her husband for a younger woman. As they reconnect, they discover that they all share similar fates, having been left by their husbands for younger women. United by their shared experiences, the trio decides to take matters into their own hands and seek revenge on their ex-husbands.
"The First Wives Club" endearing appeal lies in its witty and humorous portrayal of the women's journey from despair to empowerment. The film deftly combines comedy with a message of female solidarity and resilience, showing how the support and friendship of other women can help overcome life's challenges.
Critically, "The First Wives Club" received a mixed reception because it was the 90’s and you know, sexism! But was also met with praise directed towards the performances of its lead actresses and then there was the closing number, “You Don’t Own Me.” Clad in white fur, leather and pearls like modern suffragettes the girls celebrated their victory and sang a female anthem to audience delight! The film was noted for its humorous take on serious themes such as divorce, aging, and women's rights. It was nominated for several awards, including a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical for Diane Keaton. Bette Midler received a nomination for the American Comedy Award for Funniest Actress in a Motion Picture.
As someone deeply interested in these remarkable women, I find their journeys both inspiring and instructive. The advice from the 1996 movie "The First Wives Club," where Ivana Trump famously quipped, “Don’t get mad, get everything!” resonates in the context of these women's experiences. While Ivana Trump, the ex-wife of former President Donald Trump, has passed away, her words continue to echo in the lives of these living legends.
Lunch with Ivana might require a séance, but the opportunity to engage with Melinda, Sue Ann, Elaine, and MacKenzie presents a chance to learn from their wisdom and experience. Their ability to transform personal and professional setbacks into platforms for greater impact offers valuable lessons in resilience, strategic thinking, and the power of individual agency.
In conclusion, the billionaire first wives—Melinda French Gates, Sue Ann Arnall, Elaine Wynn, and MacKenzie Scott—are icons of strength and influence. Their contributions to their former spouses' successes are undeniable, and their independent achievements post-divorce continue to shape the world in profound ways. Their stories remind us of the significant yet often unseen role that partners play in building empires and the enduring power of their own legacies.