Billionaire timeshare king David Siegal — who lived in one of the most expensive homes in the US with his wife, “Queen of Versailles” star Jackie Siegel — has died, his company said Saturday.
The 89-year-old founder of Westgate Resorts had been battling cancer, according to the Las Vegas Journal-Review, which noted he was surrounded by his family in his final days.
“I was lucky enough to share twenty-five wonderful years with David, and together we raised eight incredible children,” Jackie wrote in a touching Instagram post Saturday alongside a photo of the couple cutting their wedding cake.
“His life and legacy live on through them all,” she said.
“To say we are devastated is an understatement. But I find comfort in knowing that Victoria was there to greet him—the first thing he heard was “Dad,” followed by a big hug,” Jackie said, referring to her daughter who died of a drug overdose in 2015 and who her husband adopted.
“And of course, Steven is there too,” Jackie wrote, referencing her husband’s late son. “That thought brings me so much peace.”
Westgate Resorts said in a statement, “David never stopped dreaming big.
“His entrepreneurial spirit, relentless drive, and belief in the American dream helped shape one of the most recognized hospitality brands in the country.”
Siegel, an Air Force veteran, started his popular timeshare company in 1982 in Kissimmee, Fla., and grew it to the largest privately held timeshare company in the world and the largest private employer in central Florida, according to the statement.
The timeshare empire involves more than 13,500 rooms at 22 resorts in the US, making his company one of the largest resort developers in the country. He was also the owner of one of Las Vegas’ most famous hotels, Westgate Las Vegas.
Siegel was known not only for his entrepreneurial endeavors but also for his charity and advocacy for addiction awareness after the methadone death of Victoria.
“He founded the Victoria’s Voice Foundation to honor Victoria and advocated zealously for the widespread availability of Naloxone, lobbying Congress and raising awareness on this important issue,” Westgate Resorts said in the statement.
Naloxone is a nasal spray that stops the effects of an opioid overdose. Siegel started his foundation to advocate for the drug’s widespread availability.
“When [Victoria] overdosed, she was still alive,” Siegel told the Journal-Review in 2019. “By the time she got to the hospital, she had died. I am a big advocate that if a family has a child who might be using drugs, they should have Narcan in their homes.”
Siegel married Jackie in 2000. She starred in a 2012 reality show about building their wildly lavish home.
He is survived by her, nine children, two stepdaughters twelve grandchildren and step-grandchildren and his brother Barry.
