Molly Ivins

Early Life and Background

Molly Ivins was born on August 30, 1944, in Monterey, California, to Margot and Jim Ivins, and she was raised in Houston, Texas. Her father was an oil and gas executive, and she grew up in a conservative household. Ivins attended St. John’s School in Houston and then went to Smith College where she earned her Bachelor's degree in history in 1966. She later studied journalism at Columbia University, receiving her Master’s degree in 1967. Additionally, Ivins spent a year at the Institute of Political Science in Paris, which further shaped her liberal views.

Career Beginnings and Development

Ivins began her journalism career at the Minneapolis Tribune in 1967 as the first female police reporter, a role traditionally dominated by men at that time. She developed a distinctive style characterized by wit and humor. In 1970, she moved to the Texas Observer, where she honed her craft covering politics in a state known for its colorful political figures. During her tenure at the New York Times from 1976 to 1982, she managed to blend humor with incisive commentary, although her style sometimes clashed with the paper's traditional tone.

Major Works and Accomplishments

Ivins's sharp commentary became a staple of her syndicated columns and books. Noteworthy works include her 1991 bestseller Molly Ivins Can't Say That, Can She?, and Shrub: The Short But Happy Political Life of George W. Bush (2000), co-written with Lou Dubose. Her insightful and often comedic take on Texan and national politics made her a favorite among readers who appreciated her ability to make serious issues accessible through humor.

Additionally, she reached wide audiences through her syndicated columns, influencing public opinion on key political issues with her liberal perspectives.

Awards, Honors, and Recognition

Molly Ivins received numerous accolades for her influential work in journalism, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Society of Newspaper Editors in 1999. Her fearless writing and penchant for tackling tough issues earned her a prominent place in the annals of American political commentary.

Personal Life

Ivins was known for her larger-than-life personality, which was mirrored in her professional life as much as her personal one. While not much is documented about her romantic life, Ivins developed close ties with numerous colleagues and political figures she wrote about, maintaining a particularly strong friendship with journalist Lou Dubose.

Legacy and Historical Impact

Molly Ivins’s legacy endures through her humorous yet hard-hitting critiques of political figures and policies. She not only provided a voice for liberal thought in the aftermath of the turbulent 60s but also blazed a trail for female journalists in political commentary. Her work continues to inspire future generations of journalists who seek to combine wit, insight, and a strong moral perspective on key issues.

Later Life and Death

In 1998, Ivins was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer, a battle she fought with courage and resilience throughout her later years. Despite the illness, she continued to write her column, remaining a prolific voice until her passing. Molly Ivins died on January 31, 2007, in Austin, Texas, leaving behind a rich journalistic legacy that sparked both thought and laughter.