Re that TMZ post (if true) - it looks like Daria was right about the tummy tuck. Damn. If a Dr. told me that I might have a heart attack if I had some elective surgery….I would never have it. Obviously we are specualting about her death at this point, but the fact remains that she was not a bad looking woman, she wasn’t morbidly obese, etc. so it’s a shame that she had to meet her end that way.

The fact that she went from academia to show biz has something to do with it. Being surrounded by these damn near flawless people has a deep impact on one’s psyche and if you hate your body, you’ll take the risks. The First Wives Club author didn’t tell the surgeons of her health conditions though they weren’t equipped to deal with emergencies. The CT homemaker who also died there (at the Eye and Ear Infirmary) didn’t tell them of the medications she was on. It wasn’t some oversight. I’m sure they all knew that the doctors wouldn’t touch them if they knew their health conditions. The homemaker was married to a physician no less. It’s a bit difficult for me to believe that you can forget that you have a heart condition when you’re filling out that medical history form.

I’m a little surprised at New York Magazine. They’re snarky and all that, but they always seem to be tasteful too. Interesting.

Sorry, but she wrote all the jokes herself the minute she left academia for showbiz.

She left academia to manage her son’s career and considering his personality, I can see why. She wasn’t trying to be a star. I don’t see how you can’t understand that being around a different set of people can change how you view yourself regardless of how strong, intelligent or confident you are. I don’t see how anyone’s death is a joke. There are really times where if you have nothing nice to say, you don’t say anything at all.

Her death is no more or less important than anyone elses, and deserves no special reverence from people outside of her family (or those who actually knew her).

What special skills does an english professor have, that would enable them to jump into the hip hop management game? No one needs there mom to manage their career.

Why are you making excuses for a middle aged mom (pushing 60) going under the knife to get a breast lift and lipo? She risked her life (and lost) trying to be something she could never be. Being around superficial and vapid people does’nt make you do anything you did’nt want to do anyway.

Bet she’d still be alive today if she was teaching english…

I keep looking at that Darius McCrary quote, hoping it’s a joke. He cannot be serious.

In terms of reverence, I was always taught that respect was the de facto response to anyone dying. Doesn’t matter who it is. Respect isn’t just a requirement from people who know her. It’s just common courtesy.

Obviously, she felt a need to change her body like MANY other people her age. Body image issues aren’t reserved for the young. What special qualities do any showbiz parents have? Well, they care about their kids and want them taken care of. Are the Knowles, Simpsons, Spears, Jacksons or anyone else have any prior special qualifications? Obviously not. Many don’t even have the education to make good decisions. I can’t say what I would do. I don’t have kids and I find fame undesirable, but in a sea of sharks, I think I’d probably want to be there to protect my kid.

Is this TMZ’s attempt at “investigative reporting” soo very crass

It was a tummy tuck and breast reduction. Both procedures involve a lot of bleeding. I’m surprised she wasn’t in those fancy recovery centers. Not that it would have saved her, but they do have medical personnel and equipment there. A notable black cosmetic surgeon performed the procedure. I recognize him from an Essence article on plastic surgery.

She wasn’t in one of those recover centers b/c she wanted to keep the whole thing hush hush probably which is interesting b/c no one knows who she is (was) really. I don’t know…it’s all so bizarre and tragic.