Dagmar Dolby
Dagmar Dolby | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1941 Frankfurt, Germany |
| Occupation | Philanthropist |
| Known for | Philanthropy, widow of Ray Dolby, Dolby Laboratories shareholder |
Dagmar Dolby (born 1941) is an American billionaire known for her philanthropic efforts, with an estimated fortune of $5.1 billion. Her wealth is derived from Dolby Laboratories, the company established by her late husband Ray Dolby.
Early life
Originally named Dagmar Bäumert, she was born in Germany in 1941 and raised in Frankfurt. In 1962, while residing in Cambridge, England, she met Ray Dolby, who was attending Cambridge University as a Marshall Scholar studying physics. The couple spent time in India, where Ray served as an advisor to the United Nations for two years before returning to the UK. In 1965, Ray founded Dolby Laboratories in London, introducing groundbreaking advancements in noise reduction and surround sound technology that became the cornerstone of the Dolby family's wealth.
Philanthropy
Dagmar moved to San Francisco in 1976, where Dolby Laboratories had established its headquarters, and emerged as a leading philanthropist. After Ray Dolby was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease around 2009, she intensified her dedication to supporting Alzheimer's research and advocacy initiatives. The Dolby family donated $21 million to California Pacific Medical Center in 2011, complementing earlier gifts of $16 million in 2006 and $20 million in 2011 aimed at creating the Ray and Dagmar Dolby Regeneration Medicine Building at the University of California-San Francisco for stem cell research.
Following Ray Dolby’s passing from leukemia in 2013, Dagmar inherited nearly 36% of Dolby Laboratories. In 2015, she made a $52.6 million gift to Cambridge University to fund the Ray and Dagmar Dolby Court student residences. She became a member of The Giving Pledge in 2017, concentrating her philanthropic efforts on reproductive rights, stem cell research, mood disorders, and Alzheimer’s disease. In 2024, she was honored with the title Honorary Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in recognition of her charitable work and support for higher education in the UK.
Personal life
Dagmar married Ray Dolby in 1966, and together they had two sons. She lives in San Francisco’s Pacific Heights area and has four granddaughters.