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Marian Ilitch (Screenshot from Detroit News video)
Marian Ilitch, wife of the late Mike Ilitch, tops Forbes' list of American's Richest Self-Made Women with a net worth of $5.1 billion.
She's followed by Diane Hendricks, co-founder and chairwoman of ABC Supply, one of the largest wholesale distributors of roofing, siding and windows in America. She has a net worth of $4.9 billion. Entertainer Oprah Winfrey is tied for third with Judy Love of Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores.Each is worth $2.9 billion, the business magazine says.
To be fair, it should be noted of the four women, Oprah was only one who built a successful empire without the partnership or help of a husband.
Ilitch, 84, built her empire with her husband Mike. They co-founded Little Caesars. Hendricks co-founded her company with her late husband, Ken, and Love started the company with her husband Tom.
Forbes listst Ilitch's distinctions:
- Marian Ilitch and her husband, Mike, who died in February, cofounded Little Caesars Pizza in 1959.
- Mrs. I, as she's known, now owns the pizza chain which has $4 billion in sales.
- She also owns the Detroit Red Wings and MotorCity Casino Hotel; Mike's Detroit Tigers are now in a family trust.
- Ilitch is helping build a $1.2-billion sports and entertainment district in Detroit.
