Alice Walton, an heir to the Walmart fortune, has been named the world's wealthiest woman with an estimated net worth of $134 billion, according to Forbes' 2026 annual World's Billionaires list, which also highlights a significant global surge in ultra-wealth.
Walton, the only daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton, secured the 14th spot overall on the prestigious list. Walton's $134 billion net worth reflects the lasting dominance of the Walmart empire Sam Walton created. She isn't the only Walton to feature prominently.
Her brothers, Rob and Jim Walton, also rank among the world's richest. Rob Walton and his family hold an estimated net worth of $146 billion, placing them 11th globally. Jim Walton and his family follow closely, with an estimated $143 billion, securing the 12th position. Together, the three Walton siblings control over $423 billion—a staggering testament to what Sam Walton built.
Global Wealth Surges to Record Highs
Forbes' 2026 list shows billionaires hit a record 3,428 people worldwide. That's 400 new billionaires compared to 2025. Their combined wealth hit $20.1 trillion, up $4 trillion from the year before.
The U.S. dominates the billionaire rankings. The nation boasts 989 billionaires, more than any other country, further solidifying its position as a center for significant financial accumulation. Wealth is concentrating fast across multiple industries.
Elon Musk Remains World's Richest Man
Elon Musk, the prolific entrepreneur behind Tesla, SpaceX, and X (formerly Twitter), maintained his position as the world's wealthiest man. His estimated net worth skyrocketed to $839 billion in March 2026, more than doubling his $342 billion reported just a year prior in May 2025.
Musk's businesses span AI, social media, electric vehicles, and space travel. He oversees operations in artificial intelligence with xAI, social media through X, electric vehicles, solar power, and batteries via Tesla, and spaceflight with SpaceX. The Austin-based entrepreneur now tops the list of richest Americans and Texans.
Texas is home to 30 billionaires on Forbes' list. They made their fortunes in oil, tech, and sports. Michael Dell, Chairman and CEO of Dell Technologies, is another prominent Texan on the list, ranking 13th globally with a net worth of $141 billion, just ahead of Alice Walton.
Mississippi's Two Billionaires Expand Influence
Mississippi has just two billionaires: brothers James and Thomas Duff, ages 65 and 69. The Hattiesburg brothers are worth $4.5 billion combined, up from $4.1 billion in September. They both ranked 954th on the global Forbes list.
Their father Ernest Duff started Southern Tire Mart in the early 1970s. Ernest sold it in 1998, but James and Thomas bought it back in 2003 and made it their flagship company. The company now sells over 4 million new tires a year and produces 2.5 million truck tire retreads. They're partnering with Flying J truck stops to expand.
In 2007, they launched Duff Capital Investors as a holding company. The firm pulls in over $5 billion annually from more than 20 companies. They own KLLM trucking, Frozen Food Express, and TL Wallace Construction, among others. Their holdings also include Magnolia Grille, Magnolia Inn & Suites, car dealerships, and real estate.
Thomas Duff has moved into politics and public service. He's been on the Mississippi Power Company Board since 2018. Gov. Phil Bryant appointed him to the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning Board from 2015 to 2024. He's started a political action committee and could run for governor. They've been on Forbes' billionaires list since 2019, when they were worth $1.2 billion—a jump of $3.3 billion in seven years.
The Duffs show how Mississippi's richest are gaining power in business and politics.
