We have learned this evening that Walt Disney’s daughter, Diane Disney Miller has sadly passed away at the age of 79. The news reports are that she died due to complications from a fall she had in September, but we will follow the story and bring you more information as it becomes available.
Miller was born Dec. 18, 1933, in Los Angeles to Walter and Lillian Disney. The next day, the Los Angeles Times declared in an article, “Mickey Mouse has a daughter.” It was at a time when the animated mouse was by far Walt Disney’s most famous creation and the Disney studio was in Silver Lake. She grew up in the Los Feliz area and later, as her family’s fortunes grew, in Holmby Hills.
A resident of Napa and San Francisco since the mid-1980s, she chaired a Los Angeles gala in September commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Walt Disney Concert Hall’s debut. “I wanted something that would bear my father’s name, that would come from his wealth but not be commercial,” she said. “That would be just a wonderful thing for the city, for the spirit, for the soul. “I think we achieved that.”
Diane is survived by her husband Ron W. Miller, her 7 children and grandchildren. The Main Street Mouse offers our deepest sympathy to all who know her. It’s a sad day in the Disney Community. More info to follow.
*Update, from The Disney Family Museum:
Words cannot begin to express our sadness at Diane’s death. She was an extraordinary philanthropist and enthusiastic supporter of the arts. Diane carried on her father’s legacy with dignity, grace, and devotion.
While the family appreciates your thoughts and prayers, we kindly request that their privacy is respected at this time.
In lieu of flowers and gifts, donations may be made to the memorial fund that The Walt Disney Family Museum has created in honor of Diane Disney Miller. Donations will support the museum’s ongoing education efforts, exhibitions, and programs. Donations and cards can also be sent to the family through The Walt Disney Family Museum, attn: Director’s Office; 104 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94129.
Services will be private and the museum has not yet planned a public commemoration of Diane, but a possible program or event may be scheduled in the future.
Michele also contributes theme park news for Fox 35 Orlando 11pm news and on the radio on WDBO.
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