Revered journalist and author Joan Didion died Thursday at her home in New York City due to complications from Parkinson’s disease, her longtime publisher confirmed to ABC News.
She was 87 years old.
Didion was known as one of most incisive writers of her time, penning screenplays, novels and works of nonfiction, including two books about her own personal losses: The Year of Magical Thinking and Blue Nights.
“Joan was a brilliant observer and listener, a wise and subtle teller of truths about our present and future. She was fierce and fearless in her reporting. Her writing is timeless and powerful, and her prose has influenced millions,” her editor, Shelley Wanger, said in a statement.
Wanger added, “We will mourn her death but celebrate her life, knowing that her work will inspire generations of readers and writers to come.”
Born in Sacramento, Didion was a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, and went on to live in New York City, where she launched her career as a journalist. Her first book, Run River, was published in 1963; other novels included A Book of Common Prayer, Democracy and The Last Thing He Wanted.
The next year, Didion married fellow writer John Gregory Dunne, who became her longtime collaborator. Together, they worked on screenplays for The Panic in Needle Park, Play It As It Lays — based on her novel of the same name — and A Star Is Born, among others. In 1967, they adopted their daughter, Quintana Roo.
Didion was also known for being a prolific essayist who published several works of nonfiction, including Slouching Towards Bethlehem and The White Album, among many others. However, it was her memoir about Dunne’s death, The Year of Magical Thinking, that earned her the National Book Award for Fiction in 2005.
After Quintana Roo died of acute pancreatitis, Didion wrote a companion book, Blue Nights, which was published in 2011. Her latest book, Let Me Tell You What I Mean, came out just this year.
Didion was a 2013 recipient of the National Medal of Arts and Humanities.
Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Related Posts
Accidental overdose killed ‘Euphoria’ star Angus Cloud
September 21, 2023
HBO/Eddy ChenInvestigators have determined a cause of death for Euphoria star Angus Cloud on July…
Music notes: Shakira, Black Eyed Peas and more
September 21, 2023
Shakira says she never would have predicted splitting with her ex Gerard Piqué. In a new cover…
‘The Young and the Restless’ closes Thursday’s episode with tribute to co-star Billy Miller
September 21, 2023
Angela Weiss/Getty ImagesThe Young and the Restless closed its episode on Thursday, September 21,…
On Hot Ones, *NSYNC reveals the truth about rumor they were cast in ‘Star Wars: Attack of the Clones’
September 21, 2023
First We FeastOver the years, the Star Wars franchise has secretly cast celebrities in minor roles…
See Sofia Vergara as a notorious drug kingpin in the teaser for Netflix series ‘Griselda’
September 21, 2023
NetflixSofia Vergara stars in and produces Griselda, the Netflix drama that has her playing the…
On ‘Hot Ones,’ *NSYNC reveals the truth about rumor they were cast in ‘Star Wars: Attack of the Clones’
September 21, 2023
First We FeastOver the years, the Star Wars franchise has secretly cast celebrities in minor roles…
Lizzo hit with another harassment lawsuit
September 21, 2023
A month after three former dancers filed a lawsuit against Lizzo, the pop star is facing another…
Kelly Ripa to host Disney’s 100th Anniversary Celebration
September 21, 2023
Walt Disney Animation StudiosABC News' parent company Disney turns 100 years old this year, and…