1 Christy Walton ($25.3 billion)
Christy Walton is the widow of John Walton, son of Walmart founder Sam Walton. After John Walton died in a plane crash in 2006, Christy inherited his fortune including enough stock to make more than $220 million in dividends in just six months. With the recent price appreciation of Walmart’s stock, the Walton family’s wealth has continued to grow.