Megan Marshack, a former deputy press secretary of Vice President Nelson Rockefeller, passed away at the age of 70 in California. Known for her association with Rockefeller’s death in 1979, she maintained silence on the topic for her entire life. She wrote her own obituary, which focused on her journalism career but also briefly mentioned her time working for Rockefeller.
Marshack was 25 years old when Rockefeller died of a heart attack, and she was one of the last people to see him alive. Rumors circulated about a possible affair between them, but Marshack never confirmed or denied these speculations. She reportedly signed a nondisclosure agreement with the Rockefeller family after his passing, which prevented her from speaking about their relationship.
In her obituary, Marshack included a quote from the musical “A Chorus Line” that read, “(But I) won’t forget, can’t regret what I did for love,” which led to further speculation about her relationship with Rockefeller. A friend and former colleague suggested that Marshack’s act of love was keeping their relationship private and not revealing intimate details that could be used as fodder for gossip.
Marshack first met Rockefeller while working as a reporter for the Associated Press and eventually joined his press team after a memorable encounter with him at a press conference. She described him as caring and considerate, and she continued to work for him even after he was dropped as President Ford’s running mate. Following Rockefeller’s death, she returned to journalism and eventually married Edmond Jacoby Jr., who passed away the year before her.
Despite the ongoing speculation about her relationship with Rockefeller, Marshack maintained her silence on the topic until her death. She lived a full life as a journalist and press secretary and was remembered by those who knew her as a dedicated professional. Her brother confirmed that she chose to keep her story private out of respect for the Rockefeller family and her own obligations. Marshack’s legacy will be remembered by those who knew her in both her personal and professional life.
