Jane Henson, Muppets co-creator, has died (VIDEO)
Jane Henson, co-creator of the Muppets, at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, on Aug. 25, 2010 in Washington, DC.
Jane Henson, co-creator of the much beloved Muppets, died at home in Connecticut on Tuesday, following her long struggle with cancer. She was 78.
Born in Queens, she met her future husband Jim Henson at the University of Maryland in 1964. Together they created Muppets for the television show "Sam and Friends," and since then millions of children have grown up with Kermit, Elmo and the rest of the gang on Sesame Street.
"Jim wanted to leave the world a better place," Jane often said. Trustee of the Jim Henson Legacy Arthur Novell added: "most would agree they both did."
The Muppet duo married in 1959 and separated in 1986, but “continued to share their love of, and vision for, the Muppets."
They are survived by their five children: Lisa, Cheryl, Brian, John and Heather. Jim Henson died in 1990.
A memorial Mass is scheduled for next week.
Here's a YouTube Tribute for Jane Henson with "Rainbow Connection," a song written for The Muppet Movie and sung by Kermit in the movie's introduction.
At The World, we believe strongly that human-centered journalism is at the heart of an informed public and a strong democracy. We see democracy and journalism as two sides of the same coin. If you care about one, it is imperative to care about the other.
Every day, our nonprofit newsroom seeks to inform and empower listeners and hold the powerful accountable. Neither would be possible without the support of listeners like you. If you believe in our work, will you give today? We need your help now more than ever! Every gift will be matched 2:1, so your impact will go even further.