Cass Elliot’s daughter Owen Elliot-Kugell has admitted she is “grateful” for the “crazy” rumor that her mother died while eating a ham sandwich.
Cass, also known as Mama Cass, was a member of the singing group The Mamas & The Papas.
In 1974, at the age of 32, Cass tragically died, but his rock star legacy continued and his passing left fans with an unusual memory, one that his daughter Owen, now 57, tried to stifle after feeling frustrated with the whirlwind of rumors surrounding her mother’s death.
As rumors grew that Cass had died because she choked on a ham sandwich, Owen became determined to “discern the facts from the factions.”
Now, the daughter of the legendary singer has confessed that after a long journey of healing, she has learned to find humor in her mother’s memory and how she came to accept it.
Cass Elliot’s daughter Owen Elliot-Kugell (seen with Owen as a child) admitted she is “grateful” for the “crazy” rumor that her mother died while eating a ham sandwich.
Cass, also known as Mama Cass, was a member of the singing group Mamas & The Papas. In 1974, at the age of 32, Cass (seen 1968) tragically died.
As rumors grew that Cass had died because she choked on a ham sandwich, Owen (seen honoring his mother in 2022) became determined to “discern the facts from the factions.”
Owen was only seven years old when his mother died of a heart attack. However, at the time of his death, rumors that he had died while eating a sandwich were at the center of the conversation.
Now, in a wide-ranging interview with PeopleOwen explained how he had to discover the truth behind the story of his mother’s death.
She told the outlet: “In my youth, when people talked to me about my mom, it was always about the stupid sandwich.”
The now 57-year-old man added: “I would go to kids’ houses after school and eventually one of their parents would ask me, ‘Did your mom really die by choking on a ham sandwich?'” First, the “The nerve to say that to a child is crazy, but it happened often. So I felt it was my duty to find out what that story was about.”
Her search for the truth began when she began writing her memoirs titled My Mama, Cass.
She soon turned to some of her mother’s closest friends, starting with Hollywood Reporter columnist Sue Cameron, who was the first to write that Cass had died by choking on a ham sandwich.
Sue revealed that at the time of Cass’ death, she had called to check on her friend. However, Cass’s manager, Allan Carr, picked up the phone and shared the tragic news that the singer had passed away.
The Hollywood Reporter columnist recalled: “He was crying and angry and said, ‘There’s a half-eaten ham sandwich on the nightstand.'” Panicking, he told her, “You have to do this. Just say she choked to death on the sandwich.”
Owen was only seven years old when his mother died of a heart attack. However, rumors that he died while eating a sandwich (The Mamas & The Papas performed in 1967)
Now, in a wide-ranging interview with People, Owen explained how he had to discover the truth behind the story of his mother’s death (Cass seen in 1969).
By claiming that Cass had died while eating, Allan was trying to stop any rumors that might arise about the singer’s death, specifically those related to drugs.
Owen explained: “A lot of my mother’s peers had died of drug overdoses: Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison. And I think Allan feared they would make the same assumption.
Her search for the truth began when she began writing her memoirs titled My Mama, Cass.
But he admitted he wouldn’t be surprised if drugs played a role in his mother’s death, adding that “everyone was doing it.”
After learning the truth about the tragic incident, Owen realized that Sue and Allan had made up the rumor to protect Cass and their then-infant daughter.
He added: “I really think they were protecting his legacy.” And they were trying to protect me. And in some ways, I’m grateful for that crazy story. As much as I felt sorry for her and people made jokes, I realize now that it kept her relevant and ready to shine again.”
Owen noted that she wants her memoir, which will be available May 7, to tell readers about every aspect of her mother’s life and how she helped build a musical legacy.
She added: ‘I learned that I shared my mom. She didn’t belong just to me. It has been 50 years since she left her, but I feel closer to her than ever.”
Two years ago, Mama Cass was honored with a long-awaited star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, 48 years after her passing, with singer Michelle Phillips on hand to honor her.
After learning the truth about his mother’s death, Owen realized that Sue and Allan had made up the rumor to protect her and Cass (The Mamas And The Papas, seen in 1966).
Two years ago, Mama Cass was honored with a long-awaited star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, 48 years after her passing (Owen and Leah Kunkel were seen at the event in 2022).
The singer, best known for her work with The Mamas & the Papas, died of heart failure in London at just 32 years of age in 1974.
She was honored by singers Carnie Wilson, Chynna Phillips, Bijou Phillips and Mackenzie Phillips, along with Mickey Dolenz and more.
Cass was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998 for her work with The Mamas & The Papas.
He also released five solo albums after the group broke up.