Disneyland Inspiration, Daughter of Walt Passes Away in California

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PopWrapped Admin

Published

November 20, 2013

Claudia Walrad

Staff Writer

Somewhere Mickey must be shedding a tear… Diane Disney Miller, daughter of Walt Disney, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 79. One of the inspirations for creating Disneyland, Disney Miller held a special place in the hearts of all at the company founded by Roy and Walt in 1923.

Chief Executive Bob Iger released a statement that he was “deeply saddened” by this loss of a person who “holds a special place in the history of the Walt Disney Company and in the hearts of fans everywhere.”

Born in 1933, Disney Miller was an active philanthropist and the founder and head of The Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco. Wife, mother, and grandmother, she wanted to carry on the legacy of her father and share what it was like to be the child of one of the most famous people in the world.

In February of 2012, in commemoration of the 57th anniversary of Lady and the Tramp, she spoke to the Huffington Post about Walt and life at the happiest place on earth. She described having a private screening room at their home where she would preview classics such as Song of the South.

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Disney Miller talked about which attractions were her father’s favorites including Tomorrowland and his excitement over the prospect of Tiki Room, Country Bear Jamboree, and the Pirates of the Caribbean opening. She indicates that he most likely saw Mickey Mouse as an extension of himself, and that first and foremost “he was really a dad.”

Disney Miller was married to former professional football player Ron Miller, with whom she has seven children and thirteen grandchildren. She also had an adopted sister named Sharon Mae. She lived in the Napa Valley since 1976 where she and her husband ran the Silverado Vineyards. It is reported that she passed away after sustaining injuries from a fall.

Diane Disney Miller was greatly loved and dear to the hearts of many in the Disney family. Next time you visit Disneyland, you may want to think of the girl who helped inspire it!