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Audrey Geisel — the philanthropist and widow of prolific children’s author Theodor Geisel (a.k.a. Dr. Seuss) — died on Wednesday, according to multiple reports. She was 97.
During their over 20 years of marriage, theCat in the Hatauthor would publish 21 titles, includingOh, the Places You’ll Go!,The Loraxand You’reOnly Old Once. She was credited for spiking that creative output,Publisher’s Weeklyreported.
When he died from oral cancer in 1991 at the age of 87, Geisel was entrusted to look after his legacy, the AP reported. She would go on to form Dr. Seuss Enterprises, a company overseeing the licensing of his characters and properties that transformed his 47 stories into a successful brand — with 10 million books sold a year, films, theme park rides, merchandise and a Broadway show,Seussical.
Most recently, she executive-produced the animated filmThe Grinch, released in November. Other movies she produced included 2012’sThe Lorax and2008’sHorton Hears a Who.
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Leagrey wrote that her mother’s marriage to Dr. Seuss a “second wind.”
Added Barbara Marcus, Random House Children’s Books president and publisher, in a statement toPublisher’s Weekly: “With our partners at Dr. Seuss Enterprises, we celebrate Audrey’s life. We will continue to work together to publish Dr. Seuss books for this and future generations, and to carry on the extraordinary commitment that Audrey upheld throughout her life to our beloved author’s genius, legacy, and enduring spirit.”
source: people.com
