When people think of Ross Perot, they usually picture the tiny, feisty Texan with the charts and the "giant sucking sound" warnings. He was a force of nature. But behind that billionaire exterior was a marriage that lasted over 60 years. Since Ross passed away in 2019, many people have been asking a simple question: Is Ross Perot's wife still alive?
The short answer is yes. As of early 2026, Margot Birmingham Perot is still alive.
She’s now 92 years old and remains a quiet, powerful figure in Dallas. While her late husband loved the spotlight—or at least knew how to use it—Margot has always been the opposite. She’s the steady hand, the one who actually funded the start of the Perot empire with a $1,000 check from her own savings. Honestly, without Margot, there might never have been an EDS or a Reform Party.
The Quiet Power of Margot Birmingham Perot
Margot isn't just a "billionaire's widow." She’s a philanthropist who has probably done more for the city of Dallas than most politicians. You've likely heard of the Margot Perot Center for Women and Infants at Texas Health Dallas. It’s a massive facility that has delivered over 120,000 babies since the early 80s.
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She doesn't just put her name on buildings for the ego of it. She’s actually involved. In February 2025, she received the United Way’s highest honor for volunteer service. People who work with her say she isn't just a donor; she’s a leader who shows up. It’s kinda rare to see that level of commitment from someone in her 90s, but she’s clearly cut from a different cloth.
Where is she now?
Margot still lives in Dallas, Texas. She remains a fixture on the Forbes billionaires list, with a net worth hovering around $5.3 billion. Most of that comes from the massive success of computer services and real estate ventures her husband pioneered, but she has managed that legacy with incredible grace.
There was some confusion online a couple of years ago because a "Margaret Perot" passed away in Dallas in early 2023. This led to a flurry of searches and rumors. However, that was a different individual. Margot Birmingham Perot is still very much with us, continuing her work with the Perot Foundation and supporting the Perot Museum of Nature and Science.
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A Love Story Started on a Blind Date
It sounds like a movie script. Margot and Ross met on a blind date back in 1952. He was a midshipman at the Naval Academy; she was a student at Goucher College.
They married in 1956 and stayed together until his death in 2019. That’s 62 years. In the world of high-stakes business and national politics, that kind of stability is basically a unicorn. Ross often credited Margot for his success, and it wasn't just lip service. When he wanted to quit his job at IBM to start Electronic Data Systems (EDS), it was Margot’s $1,000 that paved the way.
Think about that for a second. That $1,000 eventually turned into a $1.5 billion sale to General Motors. Talk about a return on investment.
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Why People Are Still Interested
Ross Perot was a polarizing figure, but he was undeniably authentic. In an era of polished, AI-generated political speak, people miss his bluntness. That nostalgia naturally extends to his family. People want to know how Margot is doing because she represents a specific era of American life—one built on grit, long marriages, and massive local philanthropy.
Her children—Ross Jr., Nancy, Suzanne, Carolyn, and Katherine—are all heavily involved in the Dallas community as well. The family hasn't retreated into the shadows. They are still building, still donating, and still very much a part of the Texas landscape.
Key Facts About Margot Perot in 2026:
- Age: 92
- Residence: Dallas, Texas
- Current Status: Active in philanthropy and the Perot Foundation.
- Net Worth: Estimated at over $5 billion.
- Legacy: Primarily focused on healthcare (The Margot Perot Center) and education.
How to Stay Updated
If you’re looking for news on Margot, don’t expect her to start a TikTok or go on a press tour. She values her privacy. Your best bet is to follow the announcements from the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas or the Perot Museum. These are the places where she still makes occasional appearances.
The Perot family name is synonymous with Texas business, but for Margot, it’s always been about the community. Even at 92, she’s proving that you don't need a loud voice to leave a massive footprint.
To truly understand the Perot legacy, look beyond the 1992 election charts. Check out the medical advancements coming out of UT Southwestern or the exhibits at the Perot Museum. That’s where Margot’s influence is most visible today. Keep an eye on local Dallas philanthropic news for the most accurate updates on her ongoing work and health.