Setting the Record Straight: Debunking the Cruel Rumor about Cass Elliot's Death

Owen Elliot-Kugell, the daughter of renowned singer Mama Cass Elliot, sets out to dispel a persistent and malicious rumor that has haunted her family for decades. In her new memoir, "My Mama, Cass," Elliot-Kugell uncovers the truth behind her mother's untimely demise.

For nearly five decades, the tragic passing of beloved 1960s icon Mama Cass Elliot has been shrouded in a persistent and cruel rumor. Allegations that she choked on a ham sandwich have plagued her memory, casting an undeserved shadow over her life and career. However, the truth behind Elliot's death is far more complex and heartbreaking, as revealed by her daughter, Owen Elliot-Kugell, in her deeply personal memoir, "My Mama, Cass."

Haunted by the hurtful whisperings that followed her mother's passing, Elliot-Kugell embarked on a journey to uncover the truth. Through meticulous research and conversations with close confidants of her mother, she has meticulously crafted a narrative that sets the record straight.

"It's such a gross rumor," Elliot-Kugell reflects. "All those connotations that came along with that rumor were pretty hard for us." The salacious tale, fueled by sensational headlines, has not only tarnished Elliot's legacy but also perpetuated harmful stereotypes about body weight and eating habits.

Contrary to the persistent myth, Elliot died in her sleep from a heart attack at the age of 32. While no drugs were found in her system at the time of her death, her history of drug use and yo-yo dieting likely contributed to her weakened heart. As her daughter points out, "A doctor told a journalist that she might have choked on the ham sandwich. That reporter ran with that story."

In addition to debunking the cruel rumor surrounding her mother's death, Elliot-Kugell also sheds light on the identity of her biological father. For years, this mystery remained a source of speculation until former bandmate Michelle Phillips arranged a meeting between Elliot-Kugell and her father, touring bassist Charles "Chuck" Day.

With the help of close friends, Elliot-Kugell pieced together the story of her conception. Her mother, Cass Elliot, had a brief fling with Day while on tour in 1966. Despite keeping the identity of her daughter's father a secret throughout her life, Elliot-Kugell's desire to know the truth led her on a transformative journey of discovery.

Elliot-Kugell's memoir is not merely a retelling of her mother's life and legacy but also a poignant exploration of her own identity and the bond she shared with her beloved "mama." Through heartfelt recollections and intimate details, she paints a vivid portrait of a complex and multifaceted woman who was both a brilliant artist and a flawed human being.

"I remember her warmth," Elliot-Kugell recalls with fondness. "I remember just how giving she was, how loving she was." Today, Elliot-Kugell hopes to shed new light on her mother's story for both longtime fans and those who are discovering Mama Cass's timeless music for the first time.

With "My Mama, Cass," Elliot-Kugell has crafted a powerful tribute to her mother's life and legacy. By setting the record straight about Cass Elliot's death and delving into the complexities of their family's history, she has not only honored her mother's memory but also inspired a new appreciation for the enduring impact of The Mamas & The Papas' trailblazing music.