'AMERICAN PATRIOT'

Sheldon Adelson dead at 87 – Las Vegas Sands Corporation founder and GOP megadonor passes away after illness

LAS Vegas Sands Corporation founder Sheldon Adelson has died at 87 years old.

His wife, Dr Miriam Adelson, confirmed the news on Tuesday morning.

Sheldon Adelson has diedCredit: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images

said that "Sheldon lived the true American dream."

released a statement in tribute to his "friend" Adelson, who he praised as an "American patriot."

, also paid tribute to the casino giant, saying: "He treated his employees like family. His philanthropic generosity changed countless lives."

According to Forbes, Adelson had a net worth of $35.6billion as of Monday.

He started out in the casino business in 1989 when purchasing the Sands Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas for $128million.