Billionaire philanthropist T. Denny Sanford died July 18, 2026, at age 90. (Photo courtesy of First Premier Bank, Premier Bankcard and Sanford Health)
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KFGO) — T. Denny Sanford, the South Dakota businessman who donated nearly $2 billion to Sanford Health, has died at 90.
He owned the two companies and became the namesake of Sanford Health — formerly called Sioux Valley — in 2007 when he donated $400 million to the organization.
Sanford’s total philanthropic contributions to numerous organizations in South Dakota and elsewhere totaled more than $4 billion.
He was born in St. Paul and went on to found First Premier Bank and PREMIER Bankcard and eventually became the richest person in South Dakota.
“It is with great sadness that Sandy and I mourn the loss of T. Denny – a man who has so generously and intentionally invested in the great state of South Dakota,” South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden said in a news release. “His contributions will not be forgotten, and South Dakota will forever be impacted by his legacy. Put simply, he was the greatest philanthropist in South Dakota history.”
Sanford Health says he was a committed champion to healthcare and research institutions, children’s causes and education initiatives.
“We are forever blessed that Denny chose us and our communities to make the transformational gifts that will change lives for generations. He was a driving force in modern medicine, empowering researchers and clinicians to think big and pursue bold, innovative endeavors at a pace not otherwise possible.We are able to provide care for more patients in their time of need because of his generosity,” said Bill Gassen, President and CEO of Sanford Health.
T. Denny Sanford was investigated for child sex abuse materials in 2020, but no charges were filed.
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