Walt Disney's Daughter Diane Passes Away At 79
NAPA (CBS SF) - The eldest daughter to Walt Disney and organizer of the Walt Disney Museum at the Presidio, Diane Disney-Miller passed away Tuesday at her home in Napa. She was 79. According to Variety, Disney-Miller suffered a fall that she did not fully recover from.
"We are deeply saddened by the loss of Diane Disney Miller and our thoughts are with her family during this difficult time," Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger commented.
In 1993, Disney-Miller's adopted sister, Sharon Mae Disney, died of complications of breast cancer. In addition to Diane Disney-Miller's husband, she is survived by seven children.
Born to Walt and Lillian Disney in 1933, Diane Disney was their only biological daughter. The Disney's adopted Sharon Mae Disney, after she was born in 1936.
While at USC, Diane was introduced to Ron W. Miller on a blind date and began dating more after. The couple soon married and had seven children. Ron Miller then became President of the Disney Company in 1978 and on to CEO in 1983.
In the early 70's, the Millers purchased and upgraded a tract vineyard in the Napa Valley. Ever since 1981, the couple have operated Silverado Vineyards Winery.
As a philantropist, Disney-Miller help push forward the construction of downtown Los Angeles' Walt Disney Concert Hall. The hall eventually opened in 2004.
In 2009, The Walt Disney Family Museum, LLC opened at the Presidio of San Francisco inside three retrofitted and expanded historic buildings on the Main Post. The museum is funded by the Walt Disney Family Foundation, a non-profit organization established by Disney's heirs and is separate from The Walt Disney Company.
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