Kitty Kelley
Kitty Kelley
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Kitty Kelley is a renowned American author, journalist, and biographer.
#### Birth and Death Dates
Born on October 5, 1941, there is no publicly available information regarding her date of death.
#### Nationality and Profession(s)
American; Author, Journalist, Biographer
#### Early Life and Background
Kitty Kelley grew up in a middle-class family in Washington D.C. Her father was an engineer, and her mother worked as a secretary. Kelley developed an interest in writing at a young age, fueled by the stories of her grandmother, who had been involved in various social causes.
Kelley attended St. Mary's Academy in Rockville, Maryland, where she began to develop her passion for journalism and storytelling. After graduating from high school, she pursued higher education but did not complete her degree.
#### Major Accomplishments
Kitty Kelley is best known for her work as a biographer and journalist. She has written several bestselling books on prominent figures in American politics and society, including:
"His Way: The Unauthorized Biography of Frank Sinatra" (1986): This biography was widely acclaimed for its candid portrayal of the legendary singer.
"Jackie Oh!" (1974): Kelley's book about Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis provided a unique glimpse into the life and character of the former First Lady.
* "Nancy Reagan: The Unauthorized Biography" (1991): This biography was a bestseller and offered an in-depth look at the life and career of the former First Lady.
#### Notable Works or Actions
Kelley's writing style often blends research with storytelling, making her books highly engaging for readers. Her work has been praised for its thoroughness and accuracy, although some critics have questioned the validity of certain claims made in her biographies.
In addition to her writing, Kelley has also worked as a television commentator and analyst, appearing on various news programs and talk shows to discuss current events and politics.
#### Impact and Legacy
Kitty Kelley's work as a biographer and journalist has had a significant impact on the way people think about and engage with public figures. Her books often challenge conventional wisdom and offer new insights into the lives and motivations of those in power.
Kelley's writing has been widely read and discussed, sparking conversations about everything from celebrity culture to politics and social justice.
#### Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Kitty Kelley is widely quoted and remembered for her incisive and often provocative biographies. Her ability to blend research with storytelling has made her books compelling reads for anyone interested in the lives of public figures.
Kelley's legacy extends beyond her writing, as well. She has paved the way for future generations of journalists and biographers, demonstrating that thorough research and thoughtful analysis can be just as engaging as a good story.
Overall, Kitty Kelley is an important figure in American journalism and literature, and her work continues to be widely read and discussed today.
Quotes by Kitty Kelley
My biography of Frank Sinatra is not paean to his music but rather an illumination of the man behind the music, who once described himself as 'an 18-karat manic-depressive who lived a life of violent emotional contradictions with an over-acute capacity for sadness as well as happiness.'
Instinctively she knew that talking, talking, talking kept people from probing, probing, probing. The more she seemed to reveal about herself, the more she could hide, and still appear to be open and forthcoming.
I admired Eugene McCarthy’s courage and although I left his Senate staff after four years to accept a job as the researcher on the editorial page of the ‘Washington Post,’ I remained an admirer.
My biography of Frank Sinatra is not paean to his music but rather an illumination of the man behind the music, who once described himself as ’an 18-karat manic-depressive who lived a life of violent emotional contradictions with an over-acute capacity for sadness as well as happiness.
I don’t give you editorial control. I want to meet you. I want to interview everybody who’s ever known you. I want to see your correspondence. I want to see your bank statements. But you will have no control over what I write. That’s why I really believe in the unauthorized biography.
I was raised Irish Catholic and went to Holy Names Academy, an all-girl’s private Catholic school. I loved the nuns there and I love them to this day.
Once I decide to do something, I can’t have people telling me I can’t. If there’s a roadblock, you jump over it, walk around it, crawl under it.
I am what is known as a benched Catholic and disillusioned by the church doctrine. I believe in things the Catholic Church does not believe in: divorce being one, and a women’s right to choose being another.
I’m not surprised, but I am disappointed that Katharine Carr Esters claims that she was ‘tricked’ into divulging her true feelings about Oprah and that she now denies that she revealed to me the identity of Oprah’s biological father.