Jewish casino magnate Sheldon Adelson has died aged 87 after being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2019.

Dr Miriam Adelson confirmed her husband’s death on Tuesday. 

“Sheldon was the love of my life. He was my partner in romance, philanthropy, political activism and enterprise. He was my soulmate.

“To me - as to his children, grandchildren, and his legions of friends and admirers, employees and colleagues - he is utterly irreplaceable,” she wrote.

Mr Adelson “was the proudest of Jews, who saw in the State of Israel not only the realisation of an historical promise to a unique and deserving people, but also a gift from the Almighty to all of humanity,” she added.

Mr Adelson was a supporter of Benjamin Netanyahu and a donor to Likud. He was also a major, longstanding donor to Republican causes in the US, giving over $430 million during the 2020 campaign. 

He was an early supporter of President Trump bid for the White House.

"Laura and I mourn the passing of a friend," former President George W. Bush said. "He was an American patriot and a strong supporter of Israel. Sheldon was a generous benefactor of charitable causes, especially medical research and Jewish heritage education. He will be missed by many - none more than his beloved family."

A spokesman for Las Vegas Sands said: “Born to immigrant parents and raised in a poor section of Boston, Mr. Adelson went from a teenager selling newspapers on a street corner to becoming one of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs.” 

His funeral will be held in Israel, with plans for a memorial service in Las Vegas at a later date, the firm said. 

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