Forbes released its 11th annual ranking of America’s richest self-made women on June 3. Major stars like Beyoncé appear on this list, which offers a broad snapshot of wealth across entertainment, technology, and consumer industries. It features 43 billionaire women in total. Currently, longtime executive Diane Hendricks, chair of ABC Supply, holds the top spot at an estimated $21.7 billion. Her continued lead reflects a ranking that has remained relatively stable at the very top. Meanwhile, newer entrants are reshaping the lower tiers.
Entertainment and pop culture remain a visible thread throughout this year’s list. Beyoncé and Rihanna are both listed at No. 39, each with an estimated fortune of $1 billion built through ventures extending well beyond music. Additionally, Kim Kardashian follows at No. 25 with $1.9 billion. Taylor Swift sits at No. 23 with a net worth of $2 billion, driven in large part by touring and the value of her catalog. Media mogul Oprah Winfrey appears at No. 16 with an estimated $3.4 billion. This underscores her decades-long presence in the business of television and publishing.
Forbes on a Wealth Shift as Beyoncé’s Billionaire Status Soars
“This year’s ranking reflects a major shift in where wealth is being created,” said Luisa Kroll, executive editor at Forbes. She added, “Women are building billion-dollar businesses in some of the fastest-moving sectors of the economy, particularly artificial intelligence, software and consumer platforms, while also turning personal brands into powerful business empires.”
Beyoncé’s inclusion on the list follows her entry into billionaire status last year. This places her alongside her husband, Jay-Z, who is also a billionaire with an estimated net worth of $2.8 billion. Her Cowboy Carter Tour was credited as a key driver of that status. Ultimately, it became the highest-grossing country tour in history with $407 million in ticket sales.
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