Barbara Hutton was born on November 14, 1912, in New York City, New York. She was the only child of Edna Woolworth, the heiress to the Woolworth retail fortune, and Franklyn Laws Hutton, a wealthy businessman. From a young age, Barbara was surrounded by luxury and privilege, attending exclusive schools in New York and Connecticut.
Despite her immense wealth, Barbara's life was far from perfect. She was dubbed the "Poor Little Rich Girl" by the media during the Great Depression due to her extravagant lifestyle and troubled personal life. Barbara's inheritance made her one of the wealthiest women in the world, but it also led to a string of failed marriages and personal struggles.
Barbara Hutton was married seven times, with each marriage ending in divorce. Her most famous marriage was to Hollywood actor Cary Grant, whom she wed in 1942. The couple's union was short-lived, and they divorced in 1945. Despite her numerous marriages, Barbara never found lasting happiness in her personal life.
Despite her tumultuous personal life, Barbara Hutton had a generous spirit and was known for her philanthropic efforts. One of her most notable acts of charity was donating the Winfield House in England to the U.S. government to be used as the residence of American ambassadors. Her charitable contributions helped to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
Barbara Hutton's lavish lifestyle and tumultuous personal life made her a figure of fascination and intrigue during her time. Her extravagant 18th birthday party, attended by high-profile celebrities like musician Rudy Vallee, cemented her status as a socialite and heiress. Despite the challenges she faced, Barbara Hutton will always be remembered for her wealth, glamour, and the legacy she left behind.
Barbara's son, Lance Reventlow, followed in her footsteps as a wealthy and influential figure. He would later become a Formula 1 racer, adding to the Hutton family's legacy of success and wealth.
In her later years, Barbara Hutton lived a more private and reclusive life, away from the public eye. She passed away on May 11, 1979, leaving behind a complicated legacy of wealth, privilege, and personal struggles.