Diane Disney Miller, Walt Disney's Daughter, Passes Away At Age 79

It is with great sadness and heavy heart that we must report the death of Diane Disney Miller, daughter of Walt Disney. She passed away in her Napa, California home on Tuesday, November 19th due to complications from a sudden fall she took in September. Diane Disney Miller was 79 years old.

Diane Disney Miller 1933 - 2013

Born on Dec. 18th, 1933, in Los Angeles California - the Los Angeles Times made the announcement by saying that "Mickey Mouse has a daughter." Diane was Walter and Lillian Disney's only biological daughter, her sister Sharon was adopted in 1936 - died in 1993. Walt's great love for his girls and spending time with them lead to the creation of Disneyland. We honor her for the magnificent inspiration. She will always hold a special place in our memory.

On the website for D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, current Walt Disney Company CEO and Chairman Bob Iger remembered Diane as a "fierce guardian of her father's legacy" and said the company "remain[s] grateful for her many valuable contributions to our efforts to preserve Disney history."

Walt Disney Reading To His Girls, Sharon and Diane

A well-known philanthropist, the lady with the twinkle in her eye was instrumental in the completion of the Frank Gehry-designed Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. Generous in heart and spirit she freely shared with the fan community a knowledge and insight that deepened our connection to her father Walt. She shared him with us all and that was no small gift. Diane Disney Miller was the founder and head of the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco, a lasting tribute to the man behind the mouse.

Diane is survived by her husband Ron Miller, the former CEO of The Walt Disney Company, seven children, thirteen grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Our condolences and fondest thoughts are with her family during this difficult time.

Services will be private. In lieu of flowers and gifts, donations may be made to the memorial fund that The Walt Disney Family Museum has created in honor of Diane Disney Miller. Donations and cards can also be sent to the family through The Walt Disney Family Museum, attn: Director's Office; 104 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94129.

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