“As co-founder and one of the largest shareholders of Wynn Resorts, she played a pivotal role in creating and transforming the company into one of the world’s most cherished luxury resort brands,” stated the announcement, which did not disclose the circumstances surrounding her death.
“She was a tireless advocate for Las Vegas, children and their education, and the arts,” the obituary continued, noting that the businesswoman recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas, having also established the Encore Hotel.
Elaine Wynn, born in New York in 1943, adopted the surname of her ex-husband Steve Wynn, the East Coast bingo halls heir, with whom she married and divorced twice, and who, over 44 years, shaped Las Vegas.
The Wynns founded the luxury chains Wynn Resorts and Mirage Resorts, and they are credited with revitalizing the hotel area known as the Strip, including the Bellagio Hotel with its famous fountain, and the Mirage Hotel with its stunning volcano.
The businesswoman ultimately divorced Steve Wynn in 2010 but remained the largest individual shareholder of Wynn Resorts and devoted herself to philanthropic work, especially in the arts and education, according to local media reports.
Political figures in Las Vegas expressed their condolences today, including Mayor Shelley Berkley, who mentioned that Elaine had planned to open an art museum in the city, while Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo described her as a “visionary businesswoman.”
On a personal note, Elaine had two daughters with magnate Steve Wynn, whose divorce intensified following his 2018 sexual harassment accusations, a scandal that forced him to step down from his company and which he suggested was “instigated” by his ex-wife.
