Richard Lugner's whirlwind romance ends in heartbreak: Billionaire dies at 91

Richard Lugner, the Austrian entrepreneur known for hosting celebrities at the Vienna Opera Ball, has passed away.

Austrian entrepreneur and billionaire Richard Lugner, renowned for his lavish hosting of celebrities at the Vienna Opera Ball, has passed away at the age of 91.   

Lugner, who entertained iconic figures like Kim Kardashian, Jane Fonda, Pamela Anderson, and Goldie Hawn at the prestigious event, died on Monday at his villa in Vienna, per Agence France-Presse. He had been battling health issues and recently underwent surgery.  
 

Tributes poured in following the news of his passing. Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer lauded Lugner as a "successful entrepreneur and a dazzling personality." Lugner's shopping complex, Lugner City, also expressed their grief on social media, remembering him as a beloved boss and reflecting on the cherished memories shared.   

Lugner's legacy extends beyond the Opera Ball. He made two independent bids for the Austrian presidency and built a successful career in the construction industry, culminating in the establishment of Lugner City in 1990.   

His recent marriage to Simone Reiländer, 42, marked his sixth union. He leaves behind four children from previous marriages.