Early Life
Christy Ruth Tallant was born on February 8, 1949, in Jackson, Wyoming. Very little is publicly known about her early life. In 1975, she met John T. Walton, the son of Walmart founder Sam Walton. They married in 1978.
Rise to Success
Christy Walton's rise to prominence came after the death of her husband, John T. Walton, in a plane crash in June 2005. She inherited a fortune, including significant shares in Walmart and investments in First Solar, an alternative energy company. She was listed as the richest woman in the world for several years by Forbes.
Key Business Strategies
Christy Walton's wealth is primarily tied to her stake in Walmart, the world's largest retailer. The Walton family controls a significant portion of Walmart through Walton Enterprises and individual holdings. Christy along with her siblings Samuel, Alice, and Jim, controls most of the Walton family's stake in Walmart.
Philanthropy
Christy Walton is known for her philanthropic efforts. She has donated to various causes including education and environmental conservation. She supports the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation, which prioritizes education. She also supports organizations such as the San Diego Natural History Museum, the San Diego Zoological Society, and the Mingei International Museum. In the early 2000s, Christy contributed a total of $3.5 billion to various non-profit organizations.