Mitzi Perdue, now aged 84, is far more than “the chicken man’s wife.” A prolific author, war correspondent, and humanitarian, she’s left a mark far beyond the Sheraton and Perdue legacies. Her fearless Ukraine reporting, literary works, and global advocacy reveal a woman reshaping her legacy in 2025.
Recently, she’s garnered attention for her frontline work in Ukraine and her literary projects like Rich Widows of Savannah Valley. Her voice is frequently featured in Psychology Today and widely viewed YouTube interviews.
Early Life, Family Background & Education of Mitzi Perdue
Mitzi Perdue was born on March 27, 1941, in Lincoln, Massachusetts, into a prominent American business family. Her father, Ernest Henderson, co‑founded the Sheraton Hotel chain and built it into one of the world’s leading hospitality brands. Her mother, Mary Henderson, came from an old New England family rooted in philanthropy and civic service.
A proud American by nationality, Mitzi is of Caucasian ethnicity and follows Christianity as her religion. She is a classic Aries—known for determination and boldness—and stands around 5’6″. Her upbringing blended traditional values with entrepreneurial ambition.
Despite her father’s success, Mitzi was never considered a candidate to lead the Sheraton empire—largely due to gender norms of the era. Undeterred, she pursued her own path. She earned a BA (Honors) from Harvard University, followed by an MPA from George Washington University, where her 1965 thesis explored the nascent field of computing.
Mitzi Perdue Career Highlights: Author, Global Speaker & Ukraine War Journalist
Mitzi’s professional journey is a vivid tapestry of reinvention. She began as a rice farmer in California, eventually rising to president of American Agri‑Women, a group representing 40,000 members nationwide. As an author, Mitzi Perdue built a strong following through environmental writing and her thought leadership on agriculture and global issues.
For over two decades, she authored the syndicated column The Environment and You, published through Capitol News and Scripps Howard.
Her writing portfolio spans both non-fiction and fiction. Early titles like I Didn’t Bargain for This reflect on her childhood, while Tough Man, Tender Chicken—an Amazon Top 5 business biography—chronicles the life of Frank Perdue.
More recently, her novel Rich Widows of Savannah Valley and her biography Relentless (about Mark Victor Hansen) showcase her literary range.
Her books continue to be referenced in global forums and interviews about Ukraine, resilience, and family legacy.
She has delivered keynote speeches at major global forums in Dubai, Lebanon, and China, addressing issues from family business governance to human trafficking and wartime resilience.
In 2022, at the age of 81, she embedded with the Kyiv police in Ukraine to report on landmines, refugees, and child abductions—a rare and courageous move for any journalist, let alone one in her 80s.
In a related feature on Kelley Wolf’s story of legacy and reinvention, Mitzi Perdue’s Ukraine missions were cited as a prime example of purposeful public work beyond fame.
Personal Life & Family of Mitzi Perdue: Marriages, Children & Legacy
Mitzi Perdue’s personal life is as layered as her professional one. Her first marriage was to a Harvard‑educated geneticist, Dr. M.H. Perdue, with whom she had two sons: Carlos and Zé. The marriage eventually ended, but their bond produced a legacy of family achievement and integrity.
Years later, she married Frank Perdue, the iconic poultry magnate behind Perdue Farms. Their marriage lasted 17 years until he died in 2005. More than a power couple, the two were known for nurturing a hospitality-first business culture, frequently hosting dinners for Perdue executives, employees, and guests as an extension of their family ethos.
Today, Mitzi remains proud of her blended family. Her son Carlos has served as VP of International at Perdue Farms, helping guide the company through global expansion.
Her younger son Zé, a PhD geneticist, is known for orchestrating annual family vacations that keep their close ties intact. Both sons reflect the Perdue-Henderson legacy: vision, discipline, and compassion.
Mitzi Perdue Net Worth 2025: Income, Real Estate & Philanthropy
Mitzi Perdue’s estimated net worth in 2025 ranges between $20 and $30 million. Her income is drawn from book royalties, speaking engagements, journalism contracts, and strategic real estate holdings. Her early farmland investments in Sacramento, California, multiplied over time—some plots appreciating by as much as 65×.
Despite her wealth, Mitzi lives modestly, echoing her family’s long-held emphasis on frugality and ethics. She maintains residences in California and Washington, D.C., and opts for economy travel when possible.
Her philanthropic efforts speak volumes: she auctioned a $1.2 million emerald ring, directing the funds toward Ukrainian humanitarian aid and survivor relief for human trafficking victims.
Her global activism echoes stories like that of Katie Zacharia, another woman redefining legacy through political strategy and civic impact.
TL;DR Summary
Mitzi Perdue is a multifaceted force in 2025—author, journalist, philanthropist, and business heiress. From her Sheraton legacy to Perdue Farms to the frontlines in Ukraine, she embodies courage, compassion, and credibility. Whether writing bestsellers, reporting on war, or advising on family enterprise, Mitzi remains a vital voice on the global stage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Mitzi Perdue
Who is Mitzi Perdue?
Mitzi Perdue is an 84-year-old American author, war correspondent, philanthropist, and heiress to both the Sheraton Hotels and Perdue Farms legacies.
Is Mitzi Perdue on Wikipedia?
Yes, Mitzi Perdue has a dedicated Wikipedia page detailing her life, writings, and philanthropic efforts.
What books has Mitzi Perdue written recently?
Her latest titles include Rich Widows of Savannah Valley and Relentless, a biography of Chicken Soup for the Soul co-founder Mark Victor Hansen.
What is Mitzi Perdue’s net worth in 2025?
Her net worth is estimated between $20–30 million, driven by real estate, publishing, and speaking income.
How is Mitzi Perdue involved in Ukraine?
She traveled to Ukraine four times under the Kyiv police’s protection, reporting on war crimes and humanitarian crises. All royalties from her book Relentless are donated to Ukrainian aid.
What does Mitzi Perdue speak about?
She lectures internationally on family business strategy, anti-trafficking, female leadership, and wartime journalism.