Gayle Benson is 79 years old, having been born in January 1947. A lifelong native of the New Orleans area, she grew up in the Algiers neighborhood, attended local Catholic schools, and graduated from high school in the city before building a successful career as an interior designer in the 1970s. After marrying automotive and sports tycoon Tom Benson, she became deeply integrated into the civic and philanthropic fabric of New Orleans. Following her husband's passing, she took over leadership of the city's beloved professional sports teams while continuing to reside locally and spearhead massive charitable contributions across the region.