A Star in the Sunshine: Who is Sue Belle Robbins?
In the sparkling world of Palm Beach, where palm trees sway and elegance reigns, Sue Belle Robbins shines as a beloved icon. Known as the “Instaqueen of Palm Beach,” she’s a whirlwind of wit, style, and Southern charm. From her colorful social media posts to her presence at glittering galas, Sue Belle has become a symbol of living life to the fullest, no matter the age. Born Susan Whitworth Robbins, her journey from Texas to Florida’s elite circles is one of reinvention, resilience, and radiance. As of 2025, following the heartfelt loss of her husband Richard Robbins, she continues to captivate over 600,000 followers with her fashion flair, humor, and zest for life. Whether she’s twirling in a Lilly Pulitzer dress or sharing a cheeky TikTok, Sue Belle embodies the timeless allure of Palm Beach society.
Her rise to digital fame in her 70s has sparked curiosity across the globe. Who is Sue Belle from Palm Beach? She’s a former model, actress, stylist, real estate broker, and influencer who blends Texas roots with East Coast sophistication. Her story is one of embracing every chapter of life, from Broadway dreams to Palm Beach parties, proving that glamour knows no age limit.
Roots and Beginnings: Early Life and Family
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Susan Whitworth Robbins |
| Nickname | Sue Belle |
| Age | 76 (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Upstate New York |
| Education | B.A. in American Studies, University of Texas |
| Occupation | Actress, Model, Stylist, Real Estate Broker, Influencer |
| Husband | Richard Leete Robbins (m. 1992–2025, deceased) |
| Previous Spouse | Douglas McCorkindale (divorced) |
| Children | Stepmother to Brenda, Matthew, Heather |
| Net Worth | $500,000+ (2025 estimate) |
| Residence | Palm Beach, Florida |
| Notable Traits | Big Texas hair, vibrant style, humor |
Sue Belle, born Susan Whitworth Robbins around 1949 in upstate New York, grew up under the wide Texas sky in San Antonio and Austin. Her childhood was filled with warmth, shaped by a family that valued storytelling and humor. Her grandmother Whitworth, a key influence, filled her days with tales that sparked Sue Belle’s love for performance. “My grandmother’s stories made me want to be larger than life,” she once shared in a TikTok post, her eyes twinkling with nostalgia.
Raised in a modest household, Sue Belle’s mother stood out for her simplicity—no makeup, no high heels—which young Susan rebelled against by embracing glamour. “I wanted lipstick and heels like the other ladies!” she laughed in a 2024 interview. This early defiance fueled her lifelong passion for fashion. She attended the University of Texas, earning a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies, a degree that reflected her curiosity about culture and style. During college, friends nicknamed her “Sue Belle” for her Southern belle charm, a moniker that became her signature.
Her early years were a blend of ambition and adventure. After college, she moved to Boston, leading international tour groups, teaching first grade by day, and working as a Playboy Bunny by night. These eclectic experiences—from classrooms to catwalks—laid the foundation for her multifaceted career.
Age and Ageless Charm: How Old is Sue Belle?
At 76 in 2025, Sue Belle Robbins embraces her age with a wink and a smile. “I look fabulous for 75 or 76—I’m never quite sure,” she quipped in a 2024 interview, her Texas drawl adding charm. Her exact birthdate remains a mystery, adding to her enigmatic allure. Fans are captivated by her vitality, often asking, “How old is Sue Belle from Palm Beach?” or “What’s Sue Belle Robbins’ age?” Her response? Age is just a backdrop to a life well-lived.
Her ageless appeal shines through in her social media presence, where she dances, models, and shares life lessons. Media outlets, like CBS12 in 2024, celebrated her as a “greynaissance” star, influencing at over 70. Sue Belle’s energy and style make her a beacon for those redefining aging with grace and gusto.
Love and Laughter: Marriage to Richard Robbins
Sue Belle’s love story with Richard Leete Robbins was a 38-year adventure filled with joy and jet-setting. They met in Boston, where she was modeling for brands like Talbots and J. Jill. Married in October 1992 (or 1993, as some sources note), they built a life across Boston, Newport, New York City, Southampton, and Palm Beach. Richard, a stockbroker with firms like Oppenheimer & Co., was born on October 27, 1938, and passed away on January 8, 2025, at 86, leaving Sue Belle to cherish their memories.
“He made me laugh every day,” she shared, crediting Richard’s humor for inspiring her viral posts. Their travels—to Paris, especially—were a highlight, filled with romantic dinners and shared adventures. Before Richard, Sue Belle was married to Douglas McCorkindale, former CEO of Gannett and USA Today, a marriage that introduced her to corporate high society but ended in divorce. With Richard, she found her true partner, describing him as “loving me just a tiny bit more,” the secret to their fabulous marriage.
Their Palm Beach lifestyle was the stuff of dreams: homes filled with antiques, bike rides along the Lake Trail, and cocktails at The Colony. Richard’s success as a broker ensured financial comfort, with their combined wealth supporting a life of luxury, though exact figures remain private.
Family Ties: Children and Private Moments
While Sue Belle has no biological children, she embraced her role as a stepmother to Richard’s three children from a prior marriage: Brenda Condron, Matthew Robbins, and Heather Neal. Brenda, married to Arthur, has daughters Nell, Claire, and Kate; Matthew is married to Molly; and Heather, married to Christopher, has sons Connor and Spencer. Sue Belle cherished her stepfamily, often spending time with her grandchildren in Palm Beach, though she keeps these moments private.
Her family life balances public sparkle with quiet intimacy. She’s shared glimpses of biking with Richard or enjoying marina walks, but details about her stepchildren remain scarce, reflecting her desire to keep family sacred. Fans searching for “Sue Belle Robbins children” find little beyond her role as a devoted stepmother, a testament to her discretion.
Palm Beach Royalty: Society and Philanthropy
In Palm Beach, Sue Belle is a reigning queen of high society, known for her big Texas hair and impeccable style. Voted “Best Big Hair, Don’t Care” by local media, she’s a fixture at Mar-a-Lago, the Flagler Museum, and Worth Avenue events. As a Trumpettes USA member, she’s mingled with influencers and philanthropists, her presence lighting up galas like Country Comes to Mar-a-Lago in 2019.
Her philanthropy is heartfelt, supporting St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Lighthouse Guild, Planned Parenthood, and Hope Funds for Cancer Research. “Giving back feels as good as a great pair of Chanel flats,” she once said. Her home, a vibrant mix of antiques and leopard cushions, reflects her interior design passion, showcased in social media tours that fans adore.
Wealth and Worth: Financial Snapshot
Sue Belle’s net worth in 2025 is estimated at $500,000 to $1 million, built from modeling, acting, styling, and real estate with Sotheby’s International Realty. Her influencer career—partnerships with makeup lines and fashion brands—has boosted her income, with estimates rising from $250,000 in 2020 to $450,000 in 2023. Combined with Richard’s stockbroker fortune, their wealth supported multiple homes and lavish travels, likely totaling millions.
Post-Richard’s passing, Sue Belle may have inherited assets, including Palm Beach real estate, pushing her net worth higher, possibly to $2-5 million. Her financial story is one of hard work and strategic reinvention, from catalog modeling to digital stardom.
Career Highlights: From Stage to Social Media
Sue Belle’s career is a kaleidoscope of roles. Her early triumph came in a Texas production of Animal Farm, earning her best actress in a statewide competition. She modeled for Talbots, J. Jill, and Appleseed, appeared in commercials, and acted in small film and TV roles, as noted on her IMDb profile. As a licensed real estate broker, she blends style with business, staging showhouses with flair.
Her influencer journey began with a viral Worth Avenue video, leading to 600,000+ followers on Instagram and TikTok. “I never planned this,” she told Hamptons Real Estate Showcase. Her posts—outfit critiques, humor, and Palm Beach insights—have made her a beloved figure, earning partnerships and even a namesake shoe.
Hit Movies and Media Table
This table details Sue Belle’s notable contributions to stage, film, television, and media, emphasizing her acting and modeling career with specific examples and timeframes.
| Title | Role/Contribution | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Farm (Stage) | Lead actress in a Texas statewide production, winning Best Actress for her compelling performance in George Orwell’s allegorical novella. | 1960s |
| TV Commercials | Spokesperson for various brands, leveraging her charm and elegance in national campaigns, including appearances for retail and lifestyle products. | 1980s–2000s |
| Print Campaigns | Style model for leading catalog companies like Talbots, J. Jill, and Appleseed, showcasing timeless fashion for mature audiences. | 1990s–2010s |
| Social Media Reels | Influencer creating viral “Outfit of the Day” videos, amassing over 600,000 followers with fashion critiques and humorous Palm Beach lifestyle content. | 2024–2025 |
| High Season Series Exhibit | Featured in Landon Nordeman’s 2018 photographic art exhibit at The Colony Hotel, Palm Beach, as a “High Society Palm Beach Reality Star.” | 2018 |
| Media Features | Profiled in The New York Times, The Palm Beach Post, USA Today, and Hamptons Real Estate Showcase for her style and socialite status. | 2000s–2025 |
Famous Things of sue belle’s
This table highlights Sue Belle’s most iconic achievements and moments, capturing what makes her a standout figure in Palm Beach and beyond.
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| Viral Social Media Fame | Gained over 600,000 followers in 2024–2025 with “Outfit of the Day” reels, transforming her into the “Instaqueen of Palm Beach” after a viral video by @ClassyinPalmBeach reached 17 million views. |
| Playboy Bunny Career | Worked at Boston’s Playboy Club in the 1970s, mastering the “Bunny Dip” while balancing her day job as a first-grade teacher, showcasing her adventurous spirit. |
| Philanthropic Impact | Dedicated supporter of St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Lighthouse Guild, Planned Parenthood, and Hope Funds for Cancer Research, blending glamour with meaningful causes. |
| Signature Style Icon | Known for silk blouses, Chanel flats, Verdura earrings, and a Town & Country aesthetic inspired by Babe Paley, influencing Palm Beach fashion trends. |
| White House Anecdote | Famously caught kissing President Ronald Reagan, as reported by USA Today, adding a playful chapter to her high-society narrative. |
| Custom Fashion Collaborations | Partnered with Stubbs and Wootton for a capsule shoe collection featuring her likeness, plus collaborations with makeup and hair brands, reflecting her influencer reach. |
| Debutante Prestige | Presented as a debutante in Washington, D.C., New York, and Vienna to royalty in the late 1960s, marking her entry into elite social circles. |
Public Persona: Media and Legacy
Sue Belle’s public profile is vibrant, though she lacks a dedicated Wikipedia page. Her IMDb credits highlight her acting and modeling, with mentions in The New York Times, Palm Beach Post, and USA Today. CBS12 praised her as a 70-something influencer, while Hamptons Real Estate Showcase called her the “Instaqueen.” Her daily life—marina walks, coffee with friends, and social media chats—reflects a balance of glamour and relatability.
Fans adore her for breaking stereotypes, with posts celebrating her “sparkle at 76.” Her home, filled with colorful antiques, and her style—silk blouses, Verdura earrings—cement her as a Palm Beach icon.
A Legacy of Light: Conclusion
Sue Belle Robbins’ life is a vibrant tapestry of reinvention, from Texas dreamer to Palm Beach royalty. Her journey—through modeling, acting, and digital stardom—shows that passion and humor transcend age. As she continues to inspire, her legacy in Palm Beach endures as one of joy, generosity, and timeless style.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Q: Who was Sue Belle Robbins’ husband?
Richard Leete Robbins, a stockbroker, was her husband from 1992 until his passing in 2025.
Q: How old is Sue Belle Robbins?
She’s 76 years old in 2025, radiating energy and charm.
Q: What is Sue Belle Robbins’ net worth in 2025?
Her personal net worth is estimated at over $500,000, likely higher with family assets.
Q: Does Sue Belle have children?
No biological children, but she’s a devoted stepmother to three.
Q: Who is Sue Belle from Palm Beach?
A socialite, influencer, and style icon known for her wit and vibrant Palm Beach life.
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