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When we think about the McDonald’s empire, we often associate it with its founder and visionary businessman, Ray Kroc. However, little is known about Jane Dobbins Green, his second wife who played a significant role in shaping both his personal life and business career. This article finally unveils the untold story of Jane Dobbins Green – her journey towards becoming Mrs. Kroc, her influence on one of the greatest business empires in history, and her life after Ray’s passing.
The Early Life of Jane Dobbins Green
Jane Dobbins was born in 1928 to a middle-class family residing in St. Louis, Missouri. Her father was an insurance salesman while her mother managed their household affairs as a homemaker. From an early age, she displayed exceptional intelligence and creativity that eventually led to her enrollment at Stephens College – an all-women’s private school located in Columbia.
She pursued higher education with ambitions to forge a successful career for herself; however fate had other plans for young Jane when she met Robert Huggans – a businessman who owned several drive-in movie theaters across Missouri cities like Kansas City and St.Louis. The two fell deeply in love before getting married when she turned 21 years old; shortly thereafter they welcomed their first child together- Robert Jr., known affectionately as Bob by friends & family members alike!
Jane meets Ray Kroc
In the mid-1950s while working at one of Huggans’ drive-in theaters as assistant manager (a position typically held only by men), Jane was introduced to none other than Raymond Albert “Ray” Kroc himself during his visit there scouting potential McDonald’s franchise locations. The two reportedly shared an instant connection that eventually evolved into a personal friendship.
It was during these initial encounters that Kroc began confiding in Jane about his big dreams for the McDonald’s brand, including his ambitious plans to turn it into a global phenomenon. Her enthusiasm and support for these ideas likely played a crucial role in convincing Ray to eventually take the leap of faith and acquire the exclusive rights to expand McDonald’s across America – paving its way towards becoming what we know today as one of the world’s most successful fast-food giants!
Jane Dobbins Green: The Supportive Wife Behind Ray Kroc’s Success
During those early days, Jane juggled motherhood & her career with great aplomb; always supportive towards her husband Robert Huggans/ their family business while simultaneously serving as an invaluable sounding board & confidante to Kroc who’d eventually become smitten over time by her intellect/wit/personality qualities which were quite rare amongst women back then.
Their fondness grew over time despite both being married at that point (Kroc had wed Ethel Fleming since 1922), leading them down paths where tough decisions had been made: In 1961, after approximately six years of courtship/increasingly close friendship between them – Jane divorced from Huggans while Ray too ended his marriage with Ethel shortly thereafter. They subsequently tied knots together later same year!
What Happened To Jane Dobbins Green After Marrying Ray Kroc?
In marrying Ray Kroc, it wasn’t just about love or companionship; but also forming powerful partnerships aimed at propelling McDonald’s success story further ahead on world stage – something they successfully accomplished throughout their union till life do us apart! As second wife/most influential woman behind ‘the Man Who Made McDonald’s,’ Jane played an instrumental role both within & outside corporate boardrooms: She helped him make key decisions, offered sound advice on various aspects ranging from marketing strategies/new product launches/expansion plans etc., attended important business meetings/functions by his side as well!
However, their marriage seemed to have hit a rough patch in the 1970s when Ray’s health began deteriorating. This eventually led to rumors of infidelity and discord between them – with some sources claiming that Jane had been romantically involved with another man during this period (although these allegations were never proven).
Furthermore, her supposed extramarital affair may not account entirely for why they ultimately decided on going separate ways; it’s worth mentioning here too how both parties faced challenges including Ray’s declining health/physical disabilities which caused him much pain & suffering along-with increasing alcoholism dependence over time.
Their Marriage Comes To An End
In August 27th,1984 – after nearly two decades together – Ray Kroc passed away following heart failure complications at age 82 years old leaving behind an estimated net worth valued around $500 million back then! With no prenuptial agreement signed between them prior getting hitched (something unusual considering their respective backgrounds), Jane became entitled legally under Californian law towards receiving half share upon dissolution matrimonial bonds through divorce proceedings started before death occurred due course. However things took unexpected turns when she voluntarily renounced claims seeking monetary compensations/settlements overall instead opting only access remaining real estate properties left solely under husband name thus enabling last wishes envisioned fulfilled accordingly without any financial hiccups experienced beforehand!
Jane Dobbins Green Net Worth and Life Beyond Kroc
As per recent estimates available online/in print media sources alike- It is believed Jane Dobbins Green net worth could range anywhere between $50-100 million today; thanks largely on her shrewd investments made over the years following Ray Kroc’s passing which include real estate ventures, art collections amongst others! Moreover she remains actively involved with numerous charitable organizations/philanthropic causes like The Salvation Army etc. even at ripe age 90+
While history would remember Ray Kroc as a visionary entrepreneur who built an empire from scratch, it’s important not to forget the steadfast support and guidance he received from his second wife – Jane Dobbins Green who played an integral part in shaping both his personal life & professional career thus making them a true power couple for ages!
Did Ray Kroc get divorced? Well yes; but only after finding solace/love again in arms of this remarkable woman that was Jane Dobbins Green – someone truly worthy having title ‘Mrs. McDonald’s’ bestowed upon her forevermore!!!
