In 1925, a 12-year-old girl held the title of the world’s second-richest person.

Doris Duke, often referred to as “the richest girl in the world,” led a life marked by extraordinary wealth, tumultuous relationships, and a quest for genuine love. Despite inheriting a vast fortune at a young age, she struggled to escape the shadows cast by her father’s ominous words: that people would only love her for her money. This article delves into her storied life, including her marriages, passions, and the controversies that surrounded her, ultimately posing the question of whether true love can transcend wealth.

A Fortune at a Young Age

At just 12 years old, Doris Duke inherited a staggering $100 million trust fund after the death of her father, James “Buck” Buchanan Duke, founder of the American Tobacco Company, who passed away on October 10, 1925. Following his death, Doris became the second richest person in the world, overshadowed only by John D. Rockefeller. With a total worth that swelled to around $3 billion before she turned 40, Doris attracted the attention of the media and was famously dubbed “the richest girl in the world.” Despite the relentless scrutiny from reporters and opportunists, she embarked on a life filled with bold experiences, attempting to counter her father’s bleak prediction regarding love and wealth.

Marriages and Affairs

Doris Duke’s romantic life was tumultuous and complex. In 1935, she married James Cromwell, a man she later described as a gold-digging social climber. Cromwell’s ambition led him to squander Doris’s fortune in an unsuccessful Senate campaign. During their marriage, Doris discovered she was pregnant but confided to friends that Cromwell was not the father; the child was the result of an affair. The pregnancy ended tragically with the birth of her daughter, Arden, who lived only 24 hours. The couple divorced in 1943.

In 1947, Doris married Dominican diplomat Porfirio Rubirosa, despite the fact that he was already married. Legend has it that Doris offered his wife $1 million to expedite the divorce. This extravagant sum equates to approximately $12 million today. Sadly, their marriage lasted just a year due to Rubirosa’s numerous infidelities, including affairs with Hollywood stars like Marilyn Monroe and Ava Gardner. Ironically, after their divorce, Rubirosa married Doris’s rival, Woolworth heiress Barbara Hutton, who he left after just 53 days.

Doris also had several high-profile affairs with notable figures, including Duke Kahanamoku and actor Errol Flynn. Throughout her life, she struggled with the notion that her wealth complicated her relationships, famously stating, “How can I ever be sure” if a man’s feelings were genuine?

Extracurricular Pursuits and Legacy

Doris had diverse interests and undertook various projects throughout her life. She studied singing, worked in a soldier canteen during World War II, and even tried her hand at foreign correspondence for Harper’s Bazaar. A passionate animal lover and conservation advocate, she helped promote animal rights long before it gained widespread popularity.

Additionally, Doris cultivated an extensive and valuable art collection, specializing in Southeast Asian and Islamic works. Today, this collection is on display at her former estate, now the Museum of Islamic Art, Culture, and Design in Hawaii. However, her life was not devoid of tragedy. In 1966, following a fatal accident that caused the death of her art curator Eduardo Tirella, Doris faced a wrongful death lawsuit resulting in a settlement of $75,000.

Significant Relationships

Doris’s life took another turn when she met Chandi Heffner in Hawaii in 1984. The two formed a deep bond, with Doris believing Chandi was the reincarnation of her late daughter. They traveled the world together, leading a lavish lifestyle. Doris even adopted the then-35-year-old Chandi in a highly unusual move, ensuring she would be taken care of. However, their relationship soured in 1991, leading Doris to cut Chandi out of her life and will.

In need of assistance, Doris hired Bernard Lafferty as her butler, whom she grew incredibly close to, making him her confidant. After Doris’s death on October 28, 1993, she left behind an estate worth approximately $5.3 billion. Most of her wealth was designated for charity, leading to the establishment of the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, which now holds assets worth about $2 billion.

Chandi, having previously sued for her share as Doris’s legal daughter, was awarded $65 million in 1995. Doris’s legacy continues to resonate, reminding us of the intricate dance between wealth, love, and the pursuit of genuine connection. As The New York Times summarized her life: “Doris Duke, 80, Heiress Whose Great Wealth Couldn’t Buy Happiness, Is Dead.”