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Margaret Truman, author and former singer, daughter of President Harry S. Truman, died today at age 83.

Though most famous for her murder mystery novels, in 1947 the President’s daughter tried to launch a singing career like her idols, Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy.

The following year, Margaret met both stars. Jeanette MacDonald attended Margaret’s 25th Birthday party on February 17, 1948, held at the Washington, D.C. Mayflower Hotel. Then Nelson Eddy, who was on a concert tour, was invited to dinner at the White House with President and Mrs. Truman, and Margaret. He wrote about it in a letter from early May 1948: “They all talked about [Jeanette] constantly, and Margaret seems to fairly worship her. The President remarked that it was the ambition of her (Margaret’s) life to sing on my [radio] program – so I said of course that would be an honor for me and perhaps it could be arranged this summer if he was willing. We left it at that but I know that would please Jeanette, as no one else has been able to arrange that – so it would be a feather in my cap. Margaret told me Jeanette had invited her as a house guest if she comes to Hollywood this summer. My little minx is always looking out for her husband’s (sic) interests. Margaret, by the way, is a very charming girl – plain and sincere.”

Nelson’s summer radio program was The Kraft Music Hall. The above quote is from the book Sweethearts by Sharon Rich, page 392.

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