By Donna Westfall – December 28, 2016 –

Sadly and unbelievably, 84 year old, Debbie Reynolds, suffered a stroke while planning her daughter’s funeral.  Around 1 pm, she was rushed to the hospital.  Her son, Todd Fisher, struck first with the tragedy of his sister’s death, Carrie Fisher, then had to deal with his mother’s death just hours later today.

Multi-talented, beautiful, funny…. her career spanned over 60 years. For those around during the love triangle between Eddie Fisher, Debbie Reynolds and Elizabeth Taylor; it’s no easy feat to have your friend steal your husband and have it all played out in the tabloids.  Years later, the 2001 movie, America’s Sweetheart, staring John Cusak, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Billy Crystal was loosely based on that 1959 love triangle which ended in divorce between Debbie and Eddie, and a brief marriage between Liz and Eddie…. which lasted about five years.

It was also no secret that Carrie Fisher and her mother were estranged for years.  Carrie’s book and movie, the semi-autobiographical Postcards from the Edge describes addiction in the context of a tug-a-war/love/hate relationship between mother and daughter performers.  It was aptly portrayed by Meryl Streep and Shirley MacLaine.  Meryl was an excellent singer in the film.

Yet nearing the end, it is quoted in article after article that Todd said his mother wanted to be with Carrie. Rest in peace, mother and daughter.