Cass Elliot’s daughter Owen Elliot-Kugell has admitted that she is ‘grateful’ for the ‘crazy’ rumor that her mom 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 her rockstar legacy continued on and her passing left fans with an unusual memory – one that her daughter Owen, now 57, sought to quash after becoming frustrated with the whirlpool of rumors that surrounded her mom’s death.
While gossip that Cass had passed away because she choked on a ham sandwich heightened, Owen became determined to ‘discern fact from faction.’
Now, the daughter of the legendary songstress has confessed that following a long healing journey, she has learned to find humor in her mom’s memory and how she came to accept it.
Cass Elliot’s daughter Owen Elliot-Kugell (seen with Owen when she was a child) has admitted that she is ‘grateful’ for the ‘crazy’ rumor that her mom 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 in 1968) tragically died
While gossip that Cass had passed away because she choked on a ham sandwich heightened, Owen (seen honoring her mom in 2022) became determined to ‘discern fact from faction’
Owen was just seven years old when her mom died from a heart attack. However, at the time of her death, rumors that she died while eating a sandwich were at the center of conversation.
Now, in a wide-ranging interview with People, Owen explained how she had to learn the truth behind the story of her mother’s death.
She told the outlet: ‘In my younger years, when people would talk to me about my mom, it was always about the stupid sandwich.’
The now 57-year-old added: ‘I would go over to kids’ houses after school and eventually one of their parents would ask me, «Did your mom really die choking on a ham sandwich?» First of all, the chutzpah to say that to a child is just crazy but it happened a lot. So I felt it was my duty to figure out what that story was all about.’
Her quest for the truth began when she started writing her memoir titled, My Mama, Cass.
She soon turned to some of her mom’s closest pals – beginning with Hollywood Reporter columnist Sue Cameron, who had first written that Cass had died from choking on a ham sandwich.
Sue revealed that at the time of Cass’ death, she had called to check up on her pal. However, Cass’ manager, Allan Carr, picked up the phone and shared the tragic news that the singer had passed.
The Hollywood Reporter columnist recalled: ‘He was crying and upset and he said, «There’s a half-eaten ham sandwich on the nightstand.» In a panic, he told her, «You have to do this. Just say she died choking on the sandwich.»‘
Owen was just seven years old when her mom died from a heart attack. However, rumors that she died while eating a sandwich (The Mamas & The Papas performing in 1967)
Now, in a wide-ranging interview with People, Owen explained how she had to learn the truth behind the story of her mother’s death (Cass seen in 1969)
By claiming that Cass had died while eating, Allan was attempting to slow down any rumors about the singer’s death that could arise, specifically those surrounding drugs.
Owen explained: ‘So many of my mother’s peers had died from drug overdoses – Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison. And I think Allan was afraid they’d make the same assumption.’
Her quest for the truth began when she started writing her memoir titled, My Mama, Cass
But she admitted that she wouldn’t be surprised if drugs had a hand in her mother’s death – adding that ‘everybody was doing it.’
After she learned the truth about the tragic incident, Owen realized that Sue and Allan had made up the rumor to protect Cass and her then young daughter.
She added: ‘I really believe they were protecting her legacy. And they were trying to protect me. And in a weird way, I’m grateful for that crazy story. As much as it caused me grief, and people made jokes, I now realize it kept her relevant and ready to shine again.’
Owen noted that she wants her memoir, which is available on May 7, to tell readers about every aspect of her mom’s life and how she helped build a musical legacy.
She added: ‘I learned that I shared my mom. She didn’t belong to just me. She’s been gone 50 years but I feel closer to her than ever.’
Two years ago, Mama Cass was honored with a long-overdue star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame – 48 years after her passing – with singer Michelle Phillips on hand to honor her.
After she learned the truth about her mother’s death, Owen realized that Sue and Allan had made up the rumor to protect Cass and her (The Mamas And The Papas seen in 1966)
Two years ago, Mama Cass was honored with a long-overdue star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame – 48 years after her passing (Owen and Leah Kunkel seen at the event in 2022)
The singer – best known for her work with The Mamas & the Papas – passed away due to 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 inducted posthumously into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998 for her work with The Mamas & The Papas.
She also released five solo albums after the group had split.
