Alice Walton

Alice Walton is an American billionaire heir, philanthropist, and art patron.

Alice Walton is an American billionaire heir, philanthropist, and art patron. She is the only daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton and has supported major initiatives in art, health, education, and economic opportunity through organizations she founded, including Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

Early life and family

Alice Louise Walton was born on October 7, 1949, in Newport, Arkansas, and is the daughter of Sam Walton and Helen Walton. She is the youngest of four children and the only daughter in the Walton family.

Business interests

Walton is known primarily as an heir to the Walmart fortune rather than as an executive at the company. Bloomberg reports that she co-manages Walton Enterprises, one of the family holding companies linked to Walmart ownership.

Arts philanthropy

Walton founded Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas, to expand access to American art. She also created Art Bridges Foundation to broaden access to art across the United States.

Health and education initiatives

Walton has founded or supported organizations focused on wellness, health care, and education, including Heartland Whole Health Institute and the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine. Her stated philanthropic interests also include improving economic opportunity.

Wealth and public profile

Walton has repeatedly ranked among the world’s richest people, with estimates varying by source and date. Bloomberg placed her at US$116 billion in July 2025, while other rankings have given lower figures at different times.