We Pause in Memory of Elizabeth Taylor

It saddens me to announce that at age 79, Elizabeth Taylor passed away; and along with her, part of my American childhood also passed. Elizabeth Taylor was an icon to women of our generation. The first time we saw those famous violet eyes was National Velvet in 1944. In this early milestone of her long cinematic career, it was not only the beauty of Elizabeth Taylor that captured our attention — it was her strength. From National Velvet to Cleopatra, she portrayed women accomplishing great things in life. Onscreen, Elizabeth Taylor helped exemplify success for a generation of women learning to achieve independence. Off screen, she demonstrated that we need not settle for an unhappy marriage… underscored by her eight marriages to seven men. Best known in later years for said eventful love life and her kooky antics in response to the media, we also know Elizabeth Taylor for her love of gems — she had more than one diamond named after her. The star also built a perfume empire. But when she wasn’t chasing the shining American dream, Elizabeth Taylor dedicated her time to AIDS, helping found the American Foundation for AIDS.

One thing is certain: Elizabeth Taylor did not fear death. Having multiple publicized near death encounters, she shares her experience in the below interview.

SevenPonds wonders if Elizabeth Taylor perhaps opted to remain with us as a cherished gem by requesting her body become one? Farewell, Elizabeth Taylor. You will always be our national (velvet) treasure.