Cameron discovered Elliot’s death while working at The Hollywood Reporter and took on the responsibility of writing her obituary to protect her daughter, Cass Elliot-Kugell. She spoke with Elliot’s ex-husband Allan Carr, who suggested she say Elliot choked on a ham sandwich rather than reveal she had a possible drug problem. Despite not being aware of Elliot’s drug use, Cameron went along with the story due to shock and protection for Cass. This narrative of the ham sandwich has followed Cameron throughout her life, despite being a small part of her career.
Elliot-Kugell, on the other hand, has struggled with the lingering impact of the ham sandwich story but found some closure when Cameron explained its origin during a lunch in 2000. She acknowledges that her mother likely died from a combination of exhaustion and partying but chooses not to focus on the details. Elliot-Kugell’s memoir aims to humanize her mother’s legacy, which has been overshadowed by outdated urban legends. It tells the story of a flawed mother and a grieving daughter, navigating loss and finding long-delayed catharsis.
In the shadow of Mackenzie Phillips’s bombshell accusations against her father, John Phillips, in 2009, Elliot-Kugell’s memoir presents a different narrative. It offers a more personal and empathetic portrayal of her mother, Cass Elliot. The memoir delves into the complexities of their relationship and the impact of Elliot’s death on her daughter. It is a story of imperfection, grief, and ultimately, a sense of closeness that Elliot-Kugell feels towards her mother after going through the process of writing the memoir.
Elliot-Kugell’s experience visiting her mother’s grave recently highlighted a newfound sense of connection and understanding. Despite the challenges and rumors surrounding her mother’s death, Elliot-Kugell has found a way to feel closer to her mother through the process of writing her memoir. This personal journey has allowed her to let go of some of the pain and confusion surrounding Elliot’s death, ultimately leading to a sense of peace and acceptance. The memoir serves as a testament to the complexities of family relationships and the power of storytelling to heal old wounds and create new connections.
