Babe paley children now

1. Biography of Babe Paley
2. Introduction to Society
3. Marriages and Social Influence
4. Later Years and Legacy

Biography of Babe Paley

Babe Paley, born Barbara Cushing in 1915 in Boston, Massachusetts, was the youngest daughter of renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Harvey Cushing. Her sisters Minnie Cushing and Betsey Cushing had both made successful marriages, Minnie to influential businessman Vincent Astor and Betsey to James Roosevelt, the son of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Babe attended The Winsor School in Boston and later Westover School in Middlebury, Connecticut.

Introduction to Society

In 1934, Babe made her debutante debut in Boston, where she quickly captured the attention of high society. Despite the Great Depression, Babe's beauty and impeccable sense of style made her one of the most irresistible socialites of her time. She was admired for her elegance and became known as an icon of style.

Marriages and Social Influence

After working as a fashion editor at Vogue magazine in New York City, Babe married wealthy oil heir Stanley Grafton Mortimer Jr. in 1940. Although her mother would have preferred a more titled candidate, the marriage was approved. In 1941, Time magazine named Babe the second-best-dressed woman, with Wallis Simpson taking the top spot. By 1945, Babe had claimed the number one spot on the list.

In 1947, after her divorce from Mortimer, Babe married William S. Paley, the founder of CBS. This union proved to be highly beneficial for both parties - Babe gained financial security and power, while William enjoyed high society connections and style. Babe hosted exclusive social events that were considered great honors to attend. Throughout her life, she was repeatedly named one of the best-dressed individuals, and in 1958, she was inducted into the Fashion Hall of Fame.

Later Years and Legacy

As Babe grew older, she maintained her flawless appearance and became a symbol of refined elegance. She was known for her natural beauty and never dyed her hair, embracing her silver strands. Women across America idolized Babe and aspired to emulate her style. Truman Capote, a close friend of Babe's, regarded her with great admiration. However, their friendship soured when Capote revealed one of her secrets, leading Babe to distance herself from him.

Throughout her life, Babe smoked heavily, which likely contributed to her lung cancer diagnosis in 1974. She passed away on July 6, 1978, the day after her 63rd birthday. Babe had meticulously planned her own funeral, including the selection of wines and hors d'oeuvres to be served. She was laid to rest at the Memorial Cemetery of St. John's Church in Cold Spring Harbor, New York. In 1990, her husband William Paley was buried beside her.

Truman Capote once said of Babe, "Babe Paley has only one flaw: she's perfect. Otherwise, she's perfect." Babe Paley's impeccable style, social influence, and enduring legacy continue to inspire generations.