It was announced yesterday that the eldest daughter of the famous Walt Disney, Diane Disney Miller, had passed away at the age of 79 due to injuries sustained during a fall in September.
Miller strived to make a difference in the world, much similar to her father, when she founded the Walt Disney Family Museum that opened in 2009 in San Francisco. According to the statement released by the museum, “the museum was established to promote and inspire creativity and innovation and celebrate and study the life of Walt Disney.”
Miller spent the later part of her life documenting the life and accomplishments of her late father. Walt Disney was subjected to many rumors and false documentaries, which is why Miller and the Walt Disney Family Foundation released “The Man Behind the Myth”, which was an accurate documentation of his life, including interviews from his friends and family. She was also the president of the board of directors of the Walt Disney Family Foundation that ran the museum.
She went through life with a determination to inspire and entertain. She was her father’s daughter, a creative force with the perseverance to follow dreams and make a difference,” the statement read.
Miller was also the main supporter of Frank Gehry as the architect for the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. In September, Miller chaired a gala that was celebrating the 10th anniversary of the concert hall.
“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.”
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Diane Disney Miller." More: http://t.co/wlqJj4ECTr pic.twitter.com/ER7wb1l7Zp
— Disney (@Disney) November 19, 2013
The current Disney CEO, Robert Iger, said, “Diane holds a special place in the history of The Walt Disney Company and in the hearts of fans everywhere. She will be remembered for her grace and generosity and tireless work to preserve her father’s legacy, and she will be greatly missed by all who knew her.”
It is with deep sadness that The Walt Disney Family Museum must share that Diane Disney Miller has passed away. http://t.co/gA2MhHnlZl
— Walt Disney Museum (@WDFMuseum) November 19, 2013
She is survived by her husband, seven children, thirteen grandchildren, and one great grandchild.
Image via waltdisney.org