January 29, 2013
MARGARET TRUMAN DIED 5 YEARS AGO TODAY AT AGE 83
Chicago, Illinois (JFK+50) The only child of President Harry S & Bess Truman, Mary Margaret Truman* (Daniel), died 5 years ago today, on January 29, 2008 at the age of 83.
She died here in Chicago where she had moved from her home in New York City to be closer to her son, Clifton.
Margaret Truman
NARA Photo
Miss Truman, who was born in Independence, Missouri in 1924, earned a B.A. from George Washington University in 1946.
She began a singing career the following year, but was to be given a harsh review by Washington Post critic Paul Hume.
Hume's review included these words....
"(Miss Truman) cannot sing very well (and)...is flat a good deal of the time."
The review did not go unnoticed by President Truman who immediately sent a letter to the critic.
The President wrote...
"Some day I hope to meet you. When that happens you'll need a new nose, a lot of beefsteak for black eyes, and perhaps a supporter below."
Despite the review, Miss Truman went on to appear on both radio & television. She also authored several books including mysteries as well as biographies of her mother & father.
After leaving the White House, Margaret Truman once said...
"The only thing I missed about the White House was having a car & driver."
*Mary Margaret Truman Daniel (1924-2008) married Clifton Daniel, a NY Times reporter, in 1956. They had 4 children. Mr. Daniel served as managing editor of the NY Times from 1964 to 1969. He died in 2000.
