LAS VEGAS, June 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) honors the memory of Kirk (Kerkor) Kerkorian, the company's founder, who passed away last evening.  On June 6, he had turned 98.

Mr. Kerkorian was a quiet but powerful force behind the transformation of the Las Vegas Strip into one of the world's most popular tourist destinations, through the development of the International, MGM and MGM Grand.  He was also a generous humanitarian who donated hundreds of millions of dollars to charities worldwide.

"MGM Resorts and our family of 62,000 employees are honoring the memory of a great man, a great business leader, a great community leader, an innovator, and one of our country's greatest generation," said Jim Murren, Chairman & CEO of MGM Resorts International. "Mr. Kerkorian combined brilliant business insight with steadfast integrity to become one of the most reputable and influential financiers of our time," Murren said.

"Personally, he was a friend and coach, who taught me the importance in looking forward, and to look back only to understand how things could be done better," Murren concluded.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and his many business associates."

Mr. Kerkorian owned Beverly Hills-based Tracinda Corporation, a private investment firm. He was a founding member of the Board of Directors of MGM Resorts, and had served with distinction as Director Emeritus since 2011.

He is survived by two daughters, Tracy Kerkorian and Linda Ross Hilton Kemper, and three grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ahron and Lily Kerkorian.

About MGM Resorts International
MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) is one of the world's leading global hospitality companies, operating a portfolio of destination resort brands including Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and The Mirage. The Company is in the process of developing MGM National Harbor in Maryland and MGM Springfield in Massachusetts. The Company also owns 51 percent of MGM China Holdings Limited, which owns the MGM Macau resort and casino and is developing a gaming resort in Cotai, and 50 percent of CityCenter in Las Vegas, which features ARIA Resort and Casino.  For more information about MGM Resorts International, visit the Company's website at www.mgmresorts.com.

SOURCE MGM Resorts International