Daughter of The Mamas & The Papas singer Mama Cass addresses rumor her mom died from a ham sandwich – as she reveals what really happened

Cass Elliot’s daughter Owen Elliot-Kugell has admitted she is ‘grateful’ after the ‘crazy’ rumor that her mother died while eating a ham sandwich.

Cass, also known as Mama Cass, was a member of the singing group The Mamas & The Papas.

In 1974, at the age of 32, Cass tragically died, but her legacy as a rock star continued and her passing left fans with an unusual memory – one that her daughter Owen, now 57, tried to destroy after becoming frustrated through the whirlpool of rumors that surrounded her. the death of her mother.

As the gossip that Cass had died because she choked on a ham sandwich intensified, Owen was determined to “separate fact from fact.”

Now, the legendary singer’s daughter has confessed that after a long healing journey, she has learned to find humor in her mother’s memory and how she has come to accept it.

Cass, also known as Mama Cass, was a member of the singing group Mamas & The Papas. In 1974, at the age of 32, Cass (seen in 1968) tragically died

As gossip intensified that Cass had died because she choked on a ham sandwich, Owen (seen in honor of her mother in 2022) was determined to ‘separate fact from fact’

Owen was just seven years old when her mother died of a heart attack. However, at the time of her death, rumors that she died while eating a sandwich were at the center of the conversation.

Now, in an extensive interview with Peopleexplained to Owen how to learn the truth behind the story of her mother’s death.

She told the outlet, “When people talked to me about my mom when I was younger, it was always about that stupid sandwich.”

The now 57-year-old added: ‘I went to the children’s homes after school and eventually one of their parents asked me, ‘Did your mother really die choking on a ham sandwich?’ First of all, the audacity of saying that to a child is just crazy, but it happened a lot. So I felt it was my duty to find out what that story was about.’

Her search for the truth began when she began writing her memoir titled My Mama, Cass.

She soon turned to some of her mother’s closest friends, starting with Hollywood Reporter columnist Sue Cameron, who had first written that Cass had died from choking on a ham sandwich.

Sue revealed that at the time of Cass’ death, she had called to inquire about her boyfriend. However, Cass’ manager, Allan Carr, picked up the phone and shared the tragic news that the singer had passed away.

The Hollywood Reporter columnist recalled, “He was crying and upset and said, ‘There’s a half-eaten ham sandwich on the bedside table.’ Panicked, he told her, “You have to do this. Just say she died choking on the sandwich.”

Owen was just seven years old when her mother died of a heart attack. However, there are rumors that she died while eating a sandwich (The Mamas & The Papas performing in 1967)

Now, in a wide-ranging interview with People, Owen explained how she had to learn the truth behind the story of her mother’s death (Cass seen in 1969)

By claiming that Cass had died during dinner, Allan attempted to delay any rumors surrounding the singer’s death, particularly those involving drugs.

Owen explained, “So many of my mother’s peers had died of drug overdoses — Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison. And I think Allan was afraid they would make the same assumption.”

Her search for the truth began when she began writing her memoir titled My Mama, Cass

But she admitted she wouldn’t be surprised if drugs played a role in her mother’s death, adding that “everybody did it.”

After learning the truth about the tragic incident, Owen realized that Sue and Allan had made up the rumor to protect Cass and her then-young daughter.

She added: “I truly believe they were protecting her legacy. And they tried to protect me. And in a strange way, I’m grateful for that crazy story. As much as it saddened me and made people joke, I realize now that it kept her relevant and ready to shine again.”

Owen noted that she wants her memoir, available May 7, to tell readers about every aspect of her mother’s life and how she helped build a musical legacy.

She added, “I learned that I shared my mother. She wasn’t just mine. She’s been gone for fifty years, but I feel closer to her than ever.’

Two years ago, Mama Cass was honored with a long-awaited star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame – 48 years after her death – with singer Michelle Phillips honoring her.

After learning the truth about her mother’s death, Owen realized that Sue and Allan had made up the rumor to protect Cass and her (The Mamas And The Papas, seen in 1966)

Two years ago, Mama Cass was honored with a long-awaited star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame – 48 years after her death (Owen and Leah Kunkel featured at the 2022 event)

The singer – best known for her work with The Mamas & the Papas – died of heart failure in London in 1974 at the age of just 32.

She was honored by singers Carnie Wilson, Chynna Phillips, Bijou Phillips and Mackenzie Phillips, along with Mickey Dolenz and more.

Cass was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998 for her work with The Mamas & The Papas.

She also released five solo albums after the group split.