On December 2nd, 2008, the 85-year-old woman known to the world as Bettie Page was taken to a Los Angeles hospital complaining of chest pains. According to her agent, Mark Roesler, after slipping into a coma, Page was placed on life support and never regained consciousness. She was pronounced dead at 2:41 am PT on December 11th, 2008.
While many have and will condemn the work of Bettie Page and her legion of photogenic descendents and followers, those who knew and loved both her and her legacy have kind words for her:
"She captured the imagination of a generation of men and women with her free spirit and unabashed sensuality. She is the embodiment of beauty." -- Mark Roesler, agent
"... a remarkable lady, an iconic figure in pop culture who influenced sexuality, taste in fashion; someone who had a tremendous impact on our society. She was a very dear person." -- Hugh Hefner, Playboy founder
Perhaps the most meaningful and insightful words came from the woman herself.
"I never thought it was shameful. I felt normal. It's just that it was much better than pounding a typewriter eight hours a day, which gets monotonous." – Bettie Page, Playboy magazine 1998.
"I want to be remembered as a woman who changed people's perspectives concerning nudity in its natural form." – Bettie Page, The Los Angeles Times</i> 2006.
Wish granted, Bettie. Be finally at rest – and know that you are loved.
-- Previously published on YNOT.com
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