Barbara Hutton died: verified facts at a glance
Barbara Hutton, the American heiress known as the "Poor Little Rich Girl," died on May 11, 1979. Her passing occurred in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 66. The immediate cause of death was a heart attack. This overview clarifies the date, location, and circumstances of her death, focusing on authoritative reporting and publicly available records. Below is a quick reference table summarizing key attributes and verified details about her death and related milestones.
Key facts summary
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of death | May 11, 1979 | Obituary records, news archives |
| Location | Los Angeles, California, United States | Reputable news reports |
| Age at death | 66 years old | Obituary notices |
| Immediate cause | Heart attack | Published obituary details |
| Burial | Woodlawn Cemetery, Bronx, New York | Cemetery records |
Background on Barbara Hutton
Barbara Hutton (November 14, 1912–May 11, 1979) was an American socialite and heiress to the Woolworth fortune. Often labeled the "Poor Little Rich Girl," her life was marked by significant wealth, a turbulent series of marriages, and extensive philanthropic efforts. Her story is frequently examined in the context of 20th-century American high society and the challenges of managing vast inherited wealth. Understanding her background is essential to contextualizing the later years that preceded her death in 1979.
Circumstances leading to her death
In the period leading up to her death, Barbara Hutton faced notable health challenges, including issues with addiction and emphysema. These conditions contributed to a significant decline in her physical well-being. Her death in Los Angeles was attributed to a heart attack, which occurred while she was receiving treatment for respiratory problems. This context helps explain the immediate cause and underscores the progression of her health struggles in her final years.
Public and media response
News of Barbara Hutton's death was reported by major newspapers and wire services, reflecting her status as a figure of enduring public curiosity. Obituaries emphasized both her family's legacy and the difficulties she encountered privately. The media response highlighted a mix of public fascination and retrospective sympathy, focusing on her life story's dramatic elements and the circumstances surrounding her passing at age 66 in Los Angeles.
Burial and memorial details
After her death, Barbara Hutton was interred at Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, New York. This location aligns with family connections and earlier burial practices associated with the Woolworth lineage. The modest public memorial events reflected her preference for privacy late in life. The burial site remains a point of reference for those verifying the final arrangements following her death in 1979.
Common questions about Barbara Hutton's death
- When did Barbara Hutton die? She died on May 11, 1979.
- Where did Barbara Hutton die? She died in Los Angeles, California, United States.
- What was the cause of Barbara Hutton's death? The immediate cause was a heart attack.
- How old was Barbara Hutton when she died? She was 66 years old at the time of her death.
- Where is Barbara Hutton buried? She is buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, New York.
Legacy and factual record
Barbara Hutton's death in 1979 marked the end of a life closely watched by the public and chronicled by the press. Her story continues to be relevant in discussions about wealth, mental health, and social expectations. The factual record surrounding her death—including date, location, and cause—remains consistent across authoritative sources. This reliability supports her lasting presence in historical and biographical narratives, long after her passing.